Published January 26, 2016 at 16:16
RESIDENTS and businesses are being reminded to take part in a countywide consultation about whether people support the proposal for a Lancashire Combined Authority.
Hundreds of people have already had their say with people labelling the idea as positive for the county.
Councils are urging people to take part in what they believe will secure the county’s seat at the forefront of the ‘Northern Powerhouse’.
Councillor Alistair Bradley, who is Chair of the Council Leaders’ Group on Combined Authority matters, said: “We’ve had a really good response to the consultation so far but we want more people to tell us what they think about creating a Lancashire Combined Authority.
“Although it might not seem that important it could release millions of pounds of investment in the county creating jobs for generations to come.
“It also gives us the chance to take on new powers from Central Government so we can have more influence over what happens in our county.”
The consultation for the Lancashire Combined Authority started in January and hundreds of people have already completed the survey.
The questions ask for people’s views on the five key themes for the Combined Authority, which are:
- A better connected Lancashire – both digitally and through transport
- A skilled Lancashire – to meet the demands of employers and future business growth
- Better homes for Lancashire
- Public services that work together for the benefit of Lancashire
- Lancashire as a destination of choice to invest, do business, live or visit
“You’ve only got a few weeks left to take part so I’d encourage people to log on to their local council website where you will find a detailed explanation about what a Combined Authority is and a list of frequently asked questions, “ said Councillor Bradley.
“We’ve had almost 1,000 responses so far and we’d be particularly keen to hear from businesses as we want to know what you think of the proposals.”
The services a Combined Authority would include are transport, economic development, housing and regeneration.
People can take part in the consultation by visiting their council website, calling into the council offices or by taking part in the debate online using #LancsCA.
Every local council in Lancashire, except Wyre Council, has agreed to support the consultation, which runs until Friday 19 February.