County deal an excellent opportunity for Rossendale

Council Leaders from across Lancashire have made an historic pledge to work together to deliver a bold vision for a County Deal to benefit the people of Lancashire. 

Rossendale is keen to be part of Lancashire’s emerging County Deal with central Government. The Deal would see potentially billions of pounds being devolved from Whitehall to Lancashire for the councils to spend on local priorities. 

Given the challenging nature of public sector funding this is an opportunity to secure resources for the county to spend on issues like improving the economy, better transport, improving the environment and tackling long-standing issues like housing and better provision for young children. 

The discussions are at an early stage, but Rossendale is keen to play an active part in shaping the proposal before it is put to Government in the Spring. 

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of the Council stated: “Councils in Lancashire have discussed for a long time how we can work together for the collective benefit of residents. We see the County Deal as an excellent opportunity to ensure resources are secured for Rossendale rather than being spent in other parts of the country. 

“We are pushing for funding to improve our town centres, to provide extra funding to improve employment opportunities and skills and revive our environment. The deal is wide ranging, and we are pushing for an unapologetically ambitious package of funding for up to seven years to make a sustained impact.”

Lancashire County Council Leader Councillor Phillippa Williamson said: “This is a bold and exciting step towards a New Deal for Lancashire that will benefit every part of the county. 

“We want to go to Government with a strong and united voice and with an ambitious set of proposals which will have the power to transform our future. These plans ensure that everyone can have their say – and will have a voice. These proposals will now go to each of our councils so that elected members can make the final decision.” 

Councillor Alistair Bradley, the Leader of Chorley Council speaking on behalf of all the county’s borough and district councils, said: “As part of a County Deal we would expect to get extra money that can be spent in a way that works best for Lancashire. 

“We are all currently working together to bring about transformational change for our county and ensure we secure additional funding that will ultimately lead to positive change.”