Lancashire Combined Authority

Over the last few months each of the councils in Lancashire has been discussing the idea of creating a Combined Authority for the county.

Lancaster City Council has backed the idea, and a formal bid has now been submitted for the Government to consider.  

The shadow Combined Authority is meeting on a monthly basis with a view to becoming formally established from April 2017.  Leaders have already agreed a Scheme of Governance which sets out voting arrangements and membership and the shadow Combined Authority are operating within these same principles. 

What is a Combined Authority?

Lancashire's councils already work closely together but a combined authority is a formal, legal step that means councils can act as one authority in the best interests of Lancashire around the areas of economic regeneration, housing and transport.

A combined authority is:

• A formal, legal step to allow councils to work more closely together in a more structured way

A move to improve economic development, skills and transport to benefit the whole county.
A combined authority is not:

• A merger or take-over of councils or a unitary council
• A  giving-up of powers by individual councils.

The creation of a Combined Authority is something that is being replicated across the country with many bids already approved by the Government.

What are the benefits of becoming a combined authority?

A combined authority means that councils can work as one democratically accountable body around the key areas of economic development, regeneration and transport to:

• Avoid duplication and provide more efficient services
• Create a stronger basis for bidding for Government and EU money
• Make best use of council and Government money
• Speed up decision-making.

A combined authority could streamline services, be more transparent and efficient, and make it easier for Lancashire to attract investment and jobs.

FAQs

We’re sure you’ll have plenty more questions so you can see a full list of frequently asked questions (PDF, 139KB).

Documents to download

• Council report on the Combined Authority (PDF, 1.4MB)
• Scheme of Governance (PDF, 97KB)
• Governance review (PDF, 994KB)

 

 

Last updated: 20 December 2016