Government backs Lancashire mayor plans in budget

Today’s autumn budget saw a slew of changes from a minimum wage increase to savings on household bills - but biggest of all for Lancashire is the government backing for a new county mayor.

This morning, the Lancashire Post revealed that a group of MPs from across the county had together written a letter to Chancellor John Healey outlining ambitions for a Lancashire mayor.

It was hoped plans for a devolved Lancashire would be addressed in today’s budget. The government have now revealed in their budget documents that it is in the final stages of agreeing 10 new devolution agreements, including a mayoral strategic authority for Lancashire.

Though the letter had been in its drafting stages for some weeks, its contents remained closely guarded by MPs, who the Post can now confirm included Maya Ellis; Lorraine Beavers; Paul Foster; Ashley Dalton; Sir Mark Hendrick; Sarah Smith; Chris Webb; Oliver Ryan; Jonathan Hinder; Andy MacNae; Lizzi Collinge; Patrick Hurley; and Adnan Hussain.

A meeting held between the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) - which oversees Lancashire’s existing non-mayoral devolution deal - and devolution minister Jim McMahon in September revealed that creating a mayor for Lancashire was “a priority” for Andy Burnham.

Cllr Phil Riley told a Preston Partnership event on October 14 that the sooner the letter was sent, the more likely provision could be made in the autumn budget to make a Lancashire mayor happen.

It was sent five days ago on October 23.

Cllr Riley and Cllr Lynn Williams were both present at the meeting with McMahon, and are both firm advocates of a Lancashire mayor.

However, Cllr Stephen Atkinson, of Reform UK, remained unconvinced it would be a positive step.

He warned that council tax bills could face an extra levy due to insufficient day-to-day funding at the council, and called for a referendum on the issue.

However, he has since described the move as “an important step forward for Lancashire”.

Paul Foster MP said:

“Lancashire has been missing out for too long while places like Greater Manchester and Liverpool have benefited from having their own elected mayors, with greater powers and more control over investment.

“Today's Budget is an important step towards changing that. It's about giving Lancashire a stronger voice and making sure decisions about our transport, infrastructure, jobs and economic future are made closer to the people they affect.

“Here in South Ribble, we have enormous potential, from our manufacturing and defence industries to our town centres and local businesses. I want to see Lancashire given the tools and investment to make the most of those opportunities.

“Of course, the detail of the final agreement still matters, but I welcome this progress. Lancashire deserves the same opportunities as other parts of the North, and I want to see us make the most of them.”

Lancashire is the only place in the North of England not to have - or signed up for - its own mayor.

As the government’s plans were revealed in the budget’s documents, MPs revealed the contents of the so-far hidden letter.

It reads: “Dear Chancellor of the Exchequer,

“We are writing to you as Members of Parliament who represent Lancashire to request that the Treasury do everything possible to provide funding for growth and devolution for our county.

“Lancashire is home to over 1.6 million people and was one of the original industrial powerhouses of Britain.

“As one of the country’s biggest counties; from our coastal towns of Blackpool and Morecambe, to beautiful countryside in the Ribble Valley and beyond, historical cities such as Lancaster and Preston, as well as towns and villages across the Pennines - Lancashire is a vast array of grit, industry, advance manufacturing, with a vast array of fantastic local businesses and communities.

“Previously, a lack of political focus and local co-operation in Lancashire has meant that the county has fallen behind as our neighbours have driven growth. We do not want Lancashire to be overlooked in favour of areas which have secured a mayoral devolution deal and investment. We see the benefits from our neighbours in Greater Manchester and Liverpool, and shortly they will be joined by Cheshire and Warrington, and Cumbria.

“We are writing to assure you that, as Lancashire MPs who are signatories to this letter, we are in agreement that Lancashire requires and elected mayor, real devolution powers, and funding to enable our constituents and businesses to thrive and grow.

“We hope this is reflected in your upcoming budget.”

The announcement from the government has been seen as a positive step forward for the county, with MPs pledging to continue discussions with the government on how a devolved Lancashire will look.

Any move towards deeper devolution will be subject to public consultation in Lancashire and subsequent formal decisions by each of the three constituent councils and the LCCA.

"This is an important step forward for Lancashire,” said Cllr Atkinson. “Securing greater investment is vital if we are to deliver better opportunities, stronger communities and sustainable growth for our residents and businesses.

“We are expecting more information from the Government next week, and as a CCA we will consider the proposals before deciding on next steps.

“It is vital that Lancashire residents also have a voice in any discussions about further devolution and as we develop the proposals, we will undertake widespread consultation with residents and business.

“We will always put the people of Lancashire front and centre before making decisions about the county’s future."

According to Cllr Williams, the leader of Blackpool Council, having a mayor for Lancashire is “something to be ambitious about”.

“Setting up the Lancashire Combined County Authority was the right thing to do,” she said. “It took a lot of work to get us to this point, but without that groundwork we simply wouldn’t be in the position we are in today.

“This is the next important step in giving Lancashire a stronger voice and the ability to attract the investment our communities need.

“We have seen what mayors have achieved in other parts of the country, bringing in millions, and in some cases billions, of pounds to improve transport, build homes, support businesses and create opportunities for young people.

“This is also really important for our businesses, giving them the confidence to invest and grow, helping us attract new employers and creating more good jobs for local people.

“A mayor would give us the opportunity to be more ambitious for our county and for places like Blackpool, and to make a real difference to people’s lives.”