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 also provided updates on major programmes, the Lancashire Business Board, and advisory board activities.

Review of Governance Models

The LCCA approved the outcome of its governance review, which explored options for future devolution arrangements in Lancashire. The review considered the government's Devolution White Paper and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The authority noted its intention to share the review's findings with the government and that it had sought clarification on the additional funding and powers a Mayoral Combined County Authority could bring to Lancashire. A response from the government had not yet been received. Should the government confirm substantial benefits, the LCCA will consider a future report on public consultation and engagement regarding a Mayoral Combined County Authority. Any formal proposal to become a Mayoral authority would require the approval of each of the LCCA's Constituent Members.

Local Government Reorganisation

The LCCA considered a report outlining the proposed reorganisation of local government in Lancashire, which aims to create unitary authorities. The report detailed the national policy context, the collaborative response from Lancashire's fifteen councils, and emerging options for unitary governance. The authority supported the joint submission of proposals for restructuring local government, enabling the government to consider a range of options. The LCCA also noted the collaboration established in preparing a joint economic and financial evidence base and acknowledged that its own governance arrangements would need to be reviewed to reflect any changes to local government structures. The LCCA confirmed that its strategic significance and role would remain unchanged, and any new unitary authorities would be expected to ensure they have the capacity to support the LCCA's priorities, work collaboratively, and introduce appropriate governance structures for effective decision-making at the combined authority level. The government's timeline for LGR in Lancashire was noted, with a potential opportunity to align this process with the LCCA's governance review. Further reports on progress at key milestones in the LGR process will be provided.

Major Programmes Update

An update was provided on the major programmes being delivered using funds paid to the LCCA. During this transitional year, funds are being utilised by local authority partners or managed on behalf of the LCCA. From 1 April 2026, these funds will be under the direct control of the LCCA, which will then be responsible for decision-making on their future use. The update highlighted that transport funding of £65.758 million capital and £21.7 million revenue had been received in 2025/26 and was being used by the LCCA's Constituent Councils for a range of transport projects. Funding for transport and skills, currently paid to constituent councils, is expected to be paid to and allocated by the LCCA in 2026/27, including the £45 million capital Local Transport Grant. An update on the transition of Local Transport Authority powers and functions to the LCCA from 1 April 2026 will be presented in December. UK Shared Prosperity and Rural England Prosperity Funds totalling £22.4 million continue to be managed by Blackpool Council on behalf of the LCCA, with local authorities required to use their remaining allocations by 31 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 a verbal update on the Board's activities. Communications support has been secured through Limitless PR to amplify the Board's messaging and lobbying efforts. The Board has also introduced a standing item on economic challenges and opportunities, with recent discussions focusing on the impact of the Boohoo/Debenhams restructuring in Burnley and the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack. A proposal was made to hold a Lancashire Economic Growth Summit in 2026 to highlight investment-ready projects, strengthen engagement between the business community and political leadership, attract ministerial involvement, and promote Lancashire as a region open for business. It was agreed that a report with proposals for the summit would be brought to a future meeting.

Advisory Board Updates

Updates were provided by the Chairs of the Skills Advisory Board, the Economy Advisory Board, and the Transport Advisory Board.

Councillor Phil Riley reported on the Transport Advisory Board's work, noting that the LCCA will have a joint Bus Service Improvement Plan, with local improvements in patronage and infrastructure. 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. Emphasis was placed on learning from Greater Manchester's integrated transport systems.

Councillor Lynn Williams updated on the Economy Advisory Board, highlighting the alignment of the Growth Plan with transport priorities and the exploration of diversified funding models. The Board's recent meeting included a sector deep dive into the energy sector, with presentations from Global Energy Systems, Organic Heat Exchangers, and Cavendish Nuclear. The importance of linking energy sector growth with skills development was emphasised, and the Board plans to review economic development staffing.

County Councillor Simon Evans reported on the Skills Advisory Board, noting discussions on 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 had exceeded its Q2 target. Updates were also provided from the Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub.

Lancashire Combined County Authority - Forward Plan

The LCCA considered an updated Work Plan for the authority to April 2026 and the link to the Forward Plan of Key Decisions. It was noted that the Work Plan would be continually reviewed alongside the development of the LCCA's functions. The authority noted the current future plan of items and decisions and the intention to revise the format of the Forward Plan to reflect the LCCA's evolution from initial set-up to delivery.