Published January 11, 2016 at 10:56
Over the last few months each of the councils in Lancashire has been discussing the idea of creating a Combined Authority for Lancashire.
It has been agreed to take it to the next stage and find out what the people of Lancashire think too.
Over the next few weeks there will be a public consultation that will run until Friday 19 February – you can take the survey here.
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 here.
Documents to download
Take part in the survey
To take part in the survey click here. It will take you to the Infusion website, which is an independent organisation hosting the consultation for us.
You’ll be able to find lots more information on that site too.
If you have any other questions you can contact the consultation team.
Next steps
Once the consultation has ended each of the councils taking part will take a report to their Full Council meeting for councillors to see what residents and businesses think about the idea. They will then take a decision as to whether they want to progress to submitting formal bid to Central Government.