The Lancashire Combined County Authority met on Tuesday 8 September 2026, discussing a range of significant transport, skills, and economic development initiatives. Key decisions included retaining the £1 evening and Sunday bus fare until the end of the year and approving Lancashire's first Local Transport Delivery Plan.

Bus Fare Retention

The meeting confirmed a decision made under the authority's urgent business protocol to retain the current £1 fare for single bus journeys on evenings and Sundays in Lancashire until 31 December 2026. This decision was made following the government's announcement of a national bus fare cap of £2 from 1 January 2027. The cost of maintaining the £1 fare until the end of the year will be met from the overall budget for the scheme. This move was welcomed as providing simpler messaging for passengers and being beneficial for users and businesses, particularly during the Christmas period.

Governance Review and Future Devolution

Matthew Sidgreaves, Chief Operating Officer, provided a verbal update on governance review and future devolution. He confirmed that leaders had jointly written to the new Secretary of State and the Minister for Devolution to seek ministerial engagement on the future development of the Combined County Authority (CCA) and Lancashire's role in the government's wider devolution agenda. A response was awaited, but officials had indicated that the minister prioritised engagement with Lancashire. Councillor Stephen Atkinson noted that Jim McMullen from the Local Government Association was keen to meet as soon as possible to discuss the situation.

Employment Matters: Chief Finance Officer Appointment

The Authority approved the appointment of Gary Fielding as the Chief Finance Officer (Section 73 Officer) for the Lancashire Combined County Authority, replacing Mark Wynn. This appointment, made under a secondment agreement on the same terms as existing statutory officer roles, was supported by Lancashire County Council.

Transport Delivery Plan and Implementation Update

Karen Kassar, Director of Transport, presented Lancashire's first Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) for submission to the Department for Transport. The plan outlines how £643.1 million of devolved transport funding will be invested between 2026 and 2030 to deliver priorities agreed through the Local Transport Plan (LTP). The funding includes £571.5 million in capital and £71.6 million in revenue. The plan aims to provide long-term certainty for transport improvements, covering bus services, active travel, rail, and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Public consultation on the LTP Implementation Plan generated approximately 1,800 responses, identifying around 70 additional scheme proposals. These are currently being assessed, with a final implementation plan scheduled for consideration in November. The report also proposed delegated authority for the Director of Transport to reallocate funding in consultation with statutory officers to respond to changing circumstances and maximise delivery of Lancashire-wide priorities. Councillor Phil Riley declared an interest in the Clitheroe to Manchester line, noting active conversations about its potential extension to Hellifield to connect to the Leeds-Colne line. This was confirmed to be included in the implementation plan.

Lancashire Spatial Development Strategy Update

Darren Tweed, Interim Spatial Development Strategy Lead, provided an update on the preparation of Lancashire's Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). The SDS will provide a spatial framework for investment, development, and growth with statutory weight, forming part of the development plan for Lancashire. Key elements will include apportioning housing needs, identifying locations for growth and conservation, and setting out strategic infrastructure requirements over at least 25 years. The report noted delays in the laying of SDS regulations, now expected in autumn 2026, but confirmed that preparatory work had not been held up.

The report detailed progress on four key workstreams: resourcing/governance, early engagement, evidence base, and digital/technical services. A strategic planning ecosystem diagram was presented, illustrating how the SDS fits within national, sub-regional, and local plans. An update on the plan-making landscape across Lancashire, including the impact of new planning reforms and Local Government Reorganisation, was also provided. A proposed governance framework for the SDS was outlined, including the establishment of an SDS Strategic Oversight Group and an SDS Advisory Board. The LCCA had secured £200,000 as part of a consortium bid for the government's PropTech 6 funding round to test a digital SDS Hub.

Adult Skills Fund and Wider Devolution Announcements

Matthew Sidgreaves provided an update on the devolved Adult Skills Fund (ASF), which successfully commenced on 1 August 2026. This devolved responsibility covers approximately £45 million of annual skills funding, supporting around 30,000 adult learners. The report highlighted early evidence of improved strategic alignment in provider delivery plans, with a 16.4% increase in planned activity aligned to Lancashire's priorities.

The report also touched upon government announcements regarding deeper devolution of education, skills, and employment provision, including a stronger role for mayors and local leaders in shaping technical education from age 14 and potential devolution of 16-19 education budgets. Councillor Mo Isap raised concerns about the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and the limited resources currently allocated to address this issue. Matthew Sidgreaves confirmed that the Skills and Employment Hub, which plays a key role in this area, would be formally transferred into the CCA from 1 April 2027.

Lancashire Business Board Update

Mo Isap, Chair of the Lancashire Business Board, presented a verbal update expressing significant frustration from the business community regarding Lancashire's comparative progress in devolution and investment secured compared to neighbouring authorities. The Board has formally requested the LCCA to progress towards a mayoral strategic authority status due to current under-resourcing and a loss of significant funding opportunities, estimated at £200 million in the last six months across defence, innovation, AI, and technology.

The Board highlighted that economic development was receiving a minuscule percentage of respective local authority budgets, with over 90% committed to core services. They stressed that economic development must be a priority to ensure good jobs and a strong economy for Lancashire, which can only be achieved through an integrated settlement and a quality civil service capable of securing investment. Councillor Stephen Atkinson noted that attempts to secure a meeting with the Minister since March had been cancelled three times, and he had been informed by a Labour MP that there was no funding for Lancashire in the current spending round. He emphasised the need to see tangible benefits before committing to a mayoral authority.

Advisory Boards Update

Updates were provided from the Chairs of the Transport, Economy, and Skills Advisory Boards.

Councillor Phil Riley reported on the Transport Advisory Board, highlighting significant investment in a new railway station at Cotton Parkway and progress on the Hellifield story. He noted that the authority was receiving many new ideas for the implementation plan, and officers would need to manage expectations regarding impractical proposals.

Councillor Dave Flanagan, speaking on behalf of Councillor Lynn Williams, provided an update on the Economy Advisory Board. Key agenda items included progress against the Lancashire Growth Plan and updates on major projects such as the Innovation Hub at Salmsbury and Enterprise Zones. The importance of infrastructure alignment and impact measurement, particularly concerning the Lancashire Data Observatory, was emphasised.

County Councillor Simon Evans reported on the Skills Advisory Board, noting progress on the devolution of the Adult Skills Fund and additional funds for engineering provision. The board stressed the need to prioritise activities that boost employment prospects for young people, particularly in light of the Milburn Review's findings on NEET and youth unemployment. He also highlighted the increasing significance of strategic authorities leading locally following the announcement regarding 14-19 devolution. Councillor Mo Isap added that the government's change in procurement legislation, with 20% towards social value, presented a significant opportunity to focus on NEET young people.

Report of the Lancashire Combined County Authority Committees

The Authority received updates from the Audit and Governance Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Audit and Governance Committee had met on 13 July 2026, discussing its constitution, membership, and terms of reference, as well as receiving updates on key CCA activities. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 24 July 2026, reviewing its first twelve months of operation and endorsing a thematic approach to its future work programme focusing on economy, transport, and skills.

2026/27 Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring Report

Gary Fielding, Section 73 Officer, presented the Quarter 1 budget monitoring report for 2026/27. The report detailed budget adjustments, including the proposed transfer of the Skills Hub to the LCCA on 1 April 2027, and the incorporation of remaining balances for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The revenue budget monitoring showed a positive movement of £2,000, indicating the budget was on track, though it was noted that it was early in the financial year. The capital programme showed no projected variance, with most funds being paid out to constituent authorities. The Authority was asked to approve the budget amendments and receive the monitoring report, noting a forecast overspend of £0.002m, resulting in an increased contribution from reserves.