The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss and approve key strategies for the region's future development and transport infrastructure. Decisions made included the adoption of the Local Transport Plan Core Strategy and its associated Implementation Plan, the approval of the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026/27, and the Pay Policy Statement for the same year.

Lancashire Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) - Inception

The meeting provided a high-level briefing on the forthcoming Lancashire Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). This new strategy, a requirement stemming from the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, will form part of the county's Statutory Development Plan. The SDS aims to provide a long-term spatial framework for investment, development, and growth across Lancashire, addressing strategic planning issues at a larger-than-local scale. The proposed SDS geography will align with the Combined Authority's boundary, simplifying cross-boundary collaboration with neighbouring devolved areas. Initial preparatory work includes resourcing, early engagement, evidence base auditing, and establishing digital and technical support. The government has provided £414,000 in revenue funding for this work, with an ambition for all areas to have an SDS adopted by 2029. Members noted the report, with discussions highlighting the importance of ensuring the SDS works collaboratively with local plans and the need for significant additional funding beyond the initial allocation.

Local Transport Plan - Core Strategy Adoption

The LCCA adopted its first major statutory strategy, the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Core Strategy, which sets out the transport vision for Lancashire until 2045. This strategy provides a policy backbone for the county's growth, skills, and investment plans, and is crucial for moving from strategy to delivery and securing external funding. The Core Strategy was developed following extensive consultation, with amendments made based on feedback, particularly regarding the clarity of delivery prioritisation. The implementation plan has been separated from the core strategy to allow for separate consultation. The adoption of the plan provides a clear, compliant, and credible framework for transport development across Lancashire.

Local Transport Plan - Implementation Plan

Following the adoption of the Core Strategy, the LCCA approved the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) Implementation Plan for consultation. This plan details the specific projects and prioritisation framework for transport schemes between 2026 and 2030. It moves beyond aspirations to provide a mechanism for deciding which projects come first and why, aligning with the county's transport vision until 2045. The plan is evidence-led, balanced, and affordable, directly linked to available funding. It categorises 350 potential schemes based on strategic fit, value for money, and deliverability, separating them into those ready for delivery, those being developed to unlock future funding, and those in the longer-term pipeline. The plan aims to provide a clear four-year delivery programme, a visible investment pipeline for engagement with stakeholders, and a transparent basis for decision-making. Discussions emphasised the need for collaboration with districts and the importance of managing expectations regarding scheme inclusion and future pipelines.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Programme Update

A high-level update was provided on Lancashire's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation for the 2025-26 financial year, covering progress up to December. The report highlighted ongoing activity to mitigate the impact of the fund's overall closure in September of that year. A key concern raised was the lack of successor funding streams for local business support and skills provision, a situation described as unprecedented. A recommendation was made for leaders to raise the issue of a successor programme with the Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities. Members expressed concern about the stop-start nature of government funding, arguing for continuity to avoid losing skills and incurring additional costs. A vote was taken to support drafting a letter to the minister on this matter.

Members' Allowance Scheme 2026/27

The LCCA approved the proposed Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026/27. The scheme includes an update to reflect additional information not available previously, notably the introduction of a £2,000 annual allowance for the independent chairs of the scrutiny and audit committees. This allowance was benchmarked against other combined authorities. The scheme had been reviewed by the CCA's independent remuneration panel. A supplementary recommendation was also approved, authorising the monitoring officer, in consultation with relevant parties, to make any necessary further amendments to the scheme during 2026/27.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 & Other Employment Matters

The Authority sought and received approval for its proposed Pay Policy Statement for the upcoming year. This statement includes the continued appointment of the LCCA's three statutory officers – the head of paid service, the section 73 officer, and the monitoring officer – who will continue to be fulfilled in kind by the chief executive officers of the three constituent councils, subject to approval from the CCA and individual council employment committees. An update was also provided on the recruitment for the LCCA Director of Transport post, with the successful candidate having verbally accepted the position.

Report of the Lancashire Combined County Authority Committees

An information-only item presented the minutes of the LCCA's audit and scrutiny committees. These committees have met twice since the last LCCA meeting and are now well-embedded within the governance structure. Wider papers for these committees are publicly available, and meetings are webcast. Feedback from district members on these committees suggested a desire for a bit more warmth and activity.

Business Board Update

Mo Isap provided an update on two key strands of work: the Northern Growth Strategy and mid-market business support. He noted that Lancashire was not explicitly mentioned in the government's Northern Growth Strategy but highlighted ongoing engagement with Tom Riordan, who is leading work on its development. A key focus is on supporting mid-market companies (those turning over around £30 million) to scale, with the potential to create 100,000 high-paid skilled jobs. NatWest is keen to support this initiative in Lancashire. The second piece of work concerned an unsuccessful £20 million bid for the innovation business support fund for the defence and security cluster. The board is exploring a more collaborative, consortia-based approach with neighbouring authorities for future bids to secure larger funding opportunities.

Advisory Boards Update

Updates were provided from the Transport, Economic, and Skills Advisory Boards.

The Transport Advisory Board noted that its next meeting was scheduled for the following week. Key points included the near-appointment of a Director of Transport and the embedding of transport staff within the LCCA. The implementation plan for transport was highlighted as a significant step forward.

The Economic Advisory Board met on 27 March and received an update on the Transport Implementation Plan, focusing on its role in enabling economic growth. Updates were also provided on the North West Business Fund, which is being brought back under public control, and the Lancashire Investment Fund, with discussions focusing on management arrangements and promotion. The board will play a key role in shaping future business support and the economic development function of the CCA. Positive news was shared regarding Blackpool and Fylde College being announced as one of five Defence Technical Excellence Colleges.

The Skills Advisory Board met on 26 March, discussing Lancashire's Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), the devolution of post-16 capital funding to the LCCA, and the closure of the UK SPF Programme. The LSIP is being refreshed to identify skills needs, with emerging findings mapped to the industrial strategy. The devolution of over £11 million in post-16 capital funding will boost further education capacity, with an options paper to be presented on allocation. The closure of the UKSPF programme was noted with concern, particularly regarding the gap in provision for young people. The Lancashire Cyber Festival Education Week was also highlighted, engaging over 10,000 pupils and students.

The next meeting of the Lancashire Combined County Authority was confirmed for 23 June 2026 at County Hall, Preston.