Decision details

Full Council had received at its meeting on 23 July 2015 a report summarising progress towards the development of the option of a combined authority for Lancashire.

At that meeting councillors noted that further work was underway to produce a Governance Review and a Scheme of Governance and it was agreed that Full Council would receive a further report on progress. The report now presented outlined the findings of the Governance Review and set out the next steps and recommendations. It was moved by County Councillor Jennifer Mein and Seconded by County Councillor David Borrow.

County Councillor Geoff Driver moved the following Amendment which was seconded by CC Michael Green:

"Council fully supports the creation of a Combined Authority for Lancashire but is disappointed at the lack of clarity and the lack of ambition in the proposal put by the leaders of the Councils in Lancashire. This proposal will not result in the devolution of powers and resources from Whitehall and will therefore not allow Lancashire to keep pace with developments in Manchester and Merseyside.

Council therefore resolves to refer this matter back to the Lancashire Leaders requesting them to put together a proposal for a Combined Authority in Lancashire that will:

(i)  meet the Government's requirements for the devolution of powers and finances; and

(ii) enable Lancashire to compete with Manchester and Merseyside and to be a key player in the 'Northern Powerhouse'."

On being put to the vote the amendment was lost.

The original motion was then put to the vote and was carried and it was,

Resolved: That:

1.  The contents of the report now presented be noted.

2.  The contents of the Lancashire Governance Review and recommendation therein, set out at Appendix A to the report now presented, be noted.

3.  The contents of the draft Scheme for the establishment of a Combined Authority, set out at Appendix B to the report now presented, be noted

4.  Lancashire County Council was to take part in the public consultation in January/February which was to seek views on the formation of a Combined Authority for Lancashire.

5.  Lancashire County Council was to consider the feedback from the public consultation and note that following this, those authorities who wished to form a Lancashire Combined Authority were to submit a proposal to the Secretary of State for consideration.

6.  It be agreed in principle that Lancashire County Council was to become a constituent member of the combined authority for Lancashire

7.  A special full council meeting be held on 24 March 2016 to give final consideration to Lancashire County Council becoming a constituent member of a Lancashire Combined Authority.