How could the proposed devolution for Lancashire affect the Lancashire County Council?
Lancashire County Council may gain new funding and expanded decision-making powers through devolution The proposal for Lancashire to elect a mayor in 2028, as part of the Budget, suggests a major shift in governance. This change could grant the Lancashire County Council expanded decision-making powers and new funding streams. Specifically, the county could keep a share of business rates and income tax raised locally, and receive dedicated 'Good Growth funding' to spend on local priorities like high street revival or bus route improvements. This shift would allow more decisions about towns to be made locally, by those who know them.
- Effect
- Strong positive
- How direct
- Stated in the reporting
- When
- Over the long term
- The story
- No new developments lately
How it reaches Lancashire County Council
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Andy Burnham's Budget proposes a major devolution push for Lancashire, which includes plans for the county to elect a mayor in 2028. Chancellor John Healey's measures also include support for small businesses, first-time buyers, and help with energy bills. Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy MacNae welcomed the plan, noting it brings Lancashire closer to the powers held by Greater Manchester.
The full event1independent outlet -
Devolution would allow Lancashire to keep a share of the business rates and income tax raised within the county. Furthermore, the county would receive 'Good Growth funding' and 'Capacity and Capability funding' to support local projects and planning expertise. The new structure would enable more decisions about towns to be made locally, allowing the County Council to use the new funding for priorities such as reviving high streets or improving bus routes, without needing to seek approval from Whitehall every time.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- lancashiretelegraph.co.uk Thursday
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British administrative authority, United Kingdom
Everything about Lancashire County Council
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- The Budget includes a major devolution push that will see Lancashire elect a mayor in 2028.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
- A mayor means Lancashire keeps a share of the business rates and income tax raised here.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
- Lancashire will also be getting Good Growth funding, which can be spent on its own priorities.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
- Capacity and Capability funding pays for the local expertise needed to plan projects and deliver them well.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
Why it matters
For the Lancashire County Council, devolution represents a fundamental change in its operational scope and financial stability. Currently, the Council operates within existing administrative frameworks, often needing to justify projects to central government. The proposed shift would grant the Council greater autonomy and direct access to dedicated funding streams, allowing it to address local needs like high street regeneration and transport improvements with more speed and local input.
This move is part of a broader national trend toward decentralizing power, exemplified by neighboring regions like Greater Manchester. The push for a mayor and increased local control is driven by the desire to ensure that economic growth and public service improvements are tailored to the specific needs of towns and communities across Lancashire.
What we don't know yet
- What specific powers will be transferred from central government to the new regional authority?
- How will the new funding streams be allocated and monitored by the County Council?
What would change this answer
Who else could feel it
Other possible ripples from the same event.
- governmentLikelyDevolution push could force government to restructure funding and powers in Lancashire
- Greater ManchesterPossibleLancashire's devolution push may intensify regional competition with Greater Manchester
- Labour PartyPossibleDevolution push for Lancashire could shape Labour Party's regional policy focus
- House of CommonsPossibleHouse of Commons may need to legislate to formalize Lancashire's devolution push
Reporting
- lancashiretelegraph.co.ukThursday
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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.