Decision details

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson moved a report setting out a proposal to create the Lancashire Combined County Authority for the areas of Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The following amendment was proposed by County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, seconded by County Councillor Noordad Aziz:

That the proposal document be amended to reflect the concerns raised in the consultation about district council involvement and powers as follows:

1.  Voting rights for District Councils:

·  Page 13

o  After "…who would also have specified consenting rights in respect of the exercise of some powers by the LCCA", add "as well as two non-constituent members on the LCCA with full voting rights."

·  Page 43

o  on the diagram amend "non-voting representation from the district councils and other stakeholders" to "voting representation from the district councils and non-voting representation from other stakeholders"

·  Page 44

o  amend: "The four constituent members would have full voting rights" to "The four constituent members and two non-constituent district members would have full voting rights"

o  after "to nominate two individuals to represent their interests on the proposed LCCA as non-constituent members", add "with full voting rights."

2.  UKSPF:

·  Page 30

o  Amend "In carrying out this role, the proposed LCCA and the constituent councils will work closely with the Lancashire District Leaders Forum in an advisory capacity. Delivery of these functions will build on existing district-led delivery arrangements for UKSPF and align with the Lancashire 2050 strategy, as agreed by all Local Authorities in Lancashire to ensure that the needs of residents can be effectively addressed. Priorities for UKSPF will be evidence-based and funds will be directed towards areas of need." to "In carrying out this role, the proposed LCCA and the constituent councils will delegate funding and delivery arrangements for the UKSPF to district councils in line with current arrangements to ensure that the needs of residents can be effectively addressed. Priorities for UKSPF will be evidence-based and funds will be directed towards areas of need."

(Page references are to the Proposal document itself)

Following a period of debate the Amendment was put to the vote and in accordance with Standing Order B45(4), a recorded vote was taken. The names of the county councillors who voted for or against the Motion and those who abstained are set out below:

For (29)

Against (45)

Abstain (3)

The Amendment was therefore LOST.

The Chairman proposed the suspension of Standing Order B15 to allow county councillors to remain seated whilst speaking.

On being put to the vote, the Proposal was LOST.

There being no further Amendments, the substantive Motion was put to the vote and in accordance with Standing Order B45(4), a recorded vote was taken. The names of the county councillors who voted for or against the Motion and those who abstained are set out below:

For (46)

Against (28)

Abstain (0)

Resolved: - That:

  i.  The outcomes of the consultation on the draft Proposal published in November 2023, as set out in this report, now presented, and its appendices be noted;

  ii.  The updated Proposal (the Proposal) attached at Appendix B to this report, now presented, taking into consideration and having due regard to the consultation responses and the Public Sector Equality Duty, to create the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) for the areas of Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council be approved;

  iii.  How the Proposal has been amended to take account of the results of the Consultation, as set out in this report, now presented, and in more detail within Appendix B (the Summary of the Consultation and the Constituent Councils’ Response), Appendix C (Executive Summary of the Ipsos Consultation Report), and Appendix D (the Summary of Communications and Engagement Activity) be noted;

  iv.  Authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to submit the Proposal to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Secretary of State) after consultation with the Chief Executives of the other two constituent councils to confirm that all constituent councils approve the amended proposal for submission;

  v.  Authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to approve any typographical or technical amendments to the Proposal which the Chief Executives of the other two constituent councils also agree on, on behalf of Lancashire County Council, prior to submission; and

  vi.  Consent be given to the making of the necessary Regulations to create the Lancashire Combined County Authority in accordance with the arrangements and principles set out in the report, now presented, and the Chief Executive be delegated, after consultation with the Leader of the Council, and subject to the approval of the other two Constituent Councils, to give final approval of the draft Regulations, subject to those regulations reflecting the principles agreed in the Proposal document and this report.