The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) met on Tuesday 21 October 2025 to discuss the review of its governance models and the ongoing process of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Lancashire. The meeting approved the findings of the governance review, which recommended exploring the transition to a Mayoral Combined County Authority, and supported the joint submission of proposals for LGR to the government. Updates were also provided on major programmes, the Lancashire Business Board, and advisory board activities.

Review of Governance Models

The LCCA approved the findings of its governance review, which explored options for future devolution arrangements in Lancashire. The review concluded that moving to a Mayoral Combined County Authority would offer greater devolved powers and funding compared to retaining the current non-mayoral structure. The Authority has written to the government to clarify the specific benefits a mayoral model would bring to Lancashire, and will consider public consultation on the proposal if the government's response indicates clear and substantial advantages. Any formal proposal to become a Mayoral authority would require the approval of each of the LCCA's constituent members.

Local Government Reorganisation

The Authority supported the joint submission of proposals for the restructuring of local government in Lancashire, acknowledging the collaborative work undertaken by the county's fifteen councils. The LCCA noted that its own governance arrangements would need to be reviewed in light of any changes resulting from LGR, but confirmed that its strategic significance and role would remain unchanged. New unitary authorities will be expected to support the LCCA's priorities, collaborate closely with the Authority, and establish appropriate governance structures for effective decision-making. The LCCA will receive further reports on progress at key milestones in the LGR process.

Major Programmes Update

An update was provided on the major programmes being delivered using funds paid to the LCCA. Transport funding totalling £65.758 million in capital and £21.7 million in revenue has been received in 2025/26, with further funding expected in 2026/27. The LCCA's constituent councils are delivering a range of transport projects, including road and rail improvements, active travel initiatives, and bus service enhancements. Funding for transport and skills is expected to be paid to and allocated by the LCCA from April 2026. An update on the transition of Local Transport Authority powers and functions to the LCCA will be presented in December. UK Shared Prosperity and Rural England Prosperity Funds, totalling £22.4 million, continue to be managed by Blackpool Council, with local authorities required to utilise their remaining allocations by March 2026.

Lancashire Business Board Update

Andy Walker, Head of Service Business Growth at Lancashire County Council, and Mo Isap, Chair of the Lancashire Business Board, provided an update on the Board's activities. Communications support has been secured through Limitless PR to enhance the Board's messaging and lobbying efforts. The Board has introduced a standing item on economic challenges and opportunities, discussing the impact of the Boohoo/Debenhams restructuring in Burnley and the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack. A proposal for a Lancashire Economic Growth Summit in 2026 was also put forward, aiming to highlight investment-ready projects, strengthen engagement between businesses and political leadership, and promote Lancashire as a region open for business. A report detailing proposals for the summit will be brought to a future meeting.

Advisory Board Updates

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

The Transport Advisory Board noted that the LCCA will have a joint Bus Service Improvement Plan, with increased patronage and infrastructure improvements observed locally. Funding for electric vehicle infrastructure has been secured, particularly benefiting areas with terraced housing. The Local Transport Plan is currently out for consultation, with final sign-off expected in April 2026. The Board also highlighted the importance of learning from Greater Manchester's integrated transport systems.

The Economy Advisory Board has begun aligning the Growth Plan with transport priorities and exploring diversified funding models. A recent sector deep dive focused on the energy sector, with presentations from Global Energy Systems, Organic Heat Exchanges, and Cavendish Nuclear. The importance of linking energy sector growth with skills development was emphasised, and the Board plans to review economic development staffing.

The Skills Advisory Board discussed the Local Transport Plan's role in facilitating access to employment and education, the devolution of the Adult Skills Fund, and the Skills Bootcamp Programme, which has exceeded its Q2 target. Updates were also provided from the Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub.

Lancashire Combined County Authority - Forward Plan

The Authority considered an updated Work Plan for the LCCA to April 2026 and the link to its published Forward Plan of Key Decisions. It was noted that the Work Plan would be kept under continual review. The Authority agreed to revise the format of the Forward Plan to better reflect its evolution from initial setup to delivery.