Cllr Phil Riley, a prominent figure in Lancashire politics, made a significant announcement during Thursday’s full Council Forum meeting. His remarks focused on the long-awaited devolution deal that promises to bring sweeping changes to governance and funding in Lancashire. According to Riley, the deal, which has been the subject of much debate and controversy, is on the verge of becoming a reality. He predicted that the devolution process would be complete, and the proposed Combined County Authority for Lancashire would be fully operational by early 2025.
The devolution deal itself has been met with mixed reactions across the region. Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, and Lancashire County Council have been the key players pushing for the agreement, which they believe will bring numerous benefits, including increased funding, greater local control, and a stronger voice in Westminster. However, several districts within Lancashire, including Burnley and Hyndburn, have expressed strong reservations about the proposal. These concerns reflect a broader tension between different parts of Lancashire, with some areas fearing that they may not see the same level of benefits as others under the new system.
Despite this opposition, the deal has also garnered significant support. In particular, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s opposition leader, Cllr Mustafa Desai, and Conservative group leader, Cllr John Slater, have both welcomed the progress that has been made. Their support suggests that, while there are still reservations from some quarters, there is a growing consensus among key leaders that the devolution deal is the right move for Lancashire at this moment.
During the meeting, Cllr Riley expressed his delight at the progress made on the devolution proposals, particularly the recent signal from the government that they are prepared to support the Level Two devolution deal. Riley explained that he, alongside the leaders of Lancashire County Council and Blackpool Council, had received confirmation from the Local Government and Devolution Minister, Jim McMahon MP, that the statutory tests necessary to implement the deal had been met. This was a crucial step in the process, as it indicated that the government is willing to move forward with the proposal and submit it to Parliament for final approval.
The government’s endorsement of the deal marks a significant turning point in the process, and Riley wasted no time in explaining the potential benefits that could be unlocked if parliamentary approval is secured in the coming weeks. According to Riley, an initial £20 million in capital funding will be released as part of the deal, with the money intended to support innovation-led growth across Lancashire. The funding will also play a key role in helping the county meet its net-zero ambitions, as well as furthering other goals related to sustainability and economic resilience.
However, the benefits of the devolution deal go beyond this initial injection of funding. Riley also pointed to the additional powers and funding that Lancashire will receive in key areas such as adult education, transport, employment, and skills. These new powers will allow the region to tailor its policies and initiatives more closely to the specific needs of its communities, something that many local leaders have long argued is necessary for sustainable growth and development.
For Cllr Riley, the progress on the devolution deal represents a major opportunity for Lancashire. He emphasized that devolution is the key issue for the county moving forward and that the region must now focus on making the most of this opportunity. Riley’s remarks suggest that, for him, the deal is not just about securing additional funding or powers; it is about positioning Lancashire to take control of its future and drive its own growth in a way that reflects the needs and aspirations of its people.
Cllr John Slater, the leader of the Conservative group on Blackburn with Darwen Council, also spoke in support of the devolution deal during the meeting. He acknowledged that the process of establishing a combined authority for Lancashire had been a long and difficult one, particularly for Cllr Riley, but he maintained that the effort would ultimately be worth it. Slater argued that the creation of a combined authority would deliver benefits not just for Lancashire as a whole, but for East Lancashire in particular. His comments reflect the hope among local leaders that the devolution deal will bring greater investment and attention to areas of Lancashire that have historically been overlooked or underfunded.
Slater’s remarks also highlight an important aspect of the devolution deal: its potential to address long-standing inequalities within Lancashire. While some districts have expressed concerns about being left behind, proponents of the deal argue that it will actually help to level the playing field across the county by giving local leaders more control over how resources are allocated. By bringing decision-making closer to the people who are affected by those decisions, the devolution deal could allow for more equitable distribution of funding and services across Lancashire’s diverse communities.
Cllr Mustafa Desai, the opposition leader on Blackburn with Darwen Council, also welcomed the devolution deal during the meeting. Desai expressed confidence that the process was moving in the right direction and that the steps being taken were appropriate for ensuring the success of the proposal. His support is notable, as it suggests that even those in opposition are recognizing the potential benefits of the deal. Desai’s remarks also reflect a broader sense of cautious optimism among local leaders, who see the devolution deal as a rare opportunity to secure much-needed investment and powers for the region.
The devolution deal for Lancashire is part of a broader trend across the UK, as more regions seek to gain greater autonomy from central government. In recent years, several areas have negotiated devolution deals that allow them to take control of key policy areas such as transport, housing, and education. These deals are seen as a way of addressing the imbalance between the centralized power of Westminster and the needs of local communities, particularly in areas like the North of England, which have often felt neglected by national policymakers.
For Lancashire, the devolution deal represents an opportunity to join this growing movement and take control of its own future. The initial £20 million in funding, along with the additional powers and resources that will come with the deal, could provide a much-needed boost to the county’s economy. The focus on innovation-led growth and net-zero ambitions is particularly significant, as it suggests that the region is looking to position itself at the forefront of the green economy and technological innovation.
However, the success of the devolution deal will ultimately depend on how well it is implemented and whether it can deliver on its promises. The concerns raised by districts like Burnley and Hyndburn highlight the challenges that lie ahead. These areas fear that they may be left out of the benefits of devolution, particularly if resources are concentrated in more prosperous parts of the county. Addressing these concerns and ensuring that the deal works for all of Lancashire will be a key test for the new Combined County Authority.
In the coming weeks, the focus will shift to Parliament, where the devolution deal will need to be approved. If it passes, Lancashire will join the ranks of other regions across the UK that have gained greater autonomy through devolution. For local leaders like Cllr Riley, this moment represents the culmination of years of effort and negotiation. But it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Lancashire, one in which the county will have more control over its future and the ability to shape its own destiny.
In conclusion, the devolution deal for Lancashire is a landmark moment for the region. While it has been met with controversy and concern from some districts, it has also garnered significant support from key local leaders. The potential benefits of the deal, including increased funding, new powers, and greater local control, are clear. However, the success of the deal will depend on how well it is implemented and whether it can deliver on its promises to all parts of Lancashire. As the process moves forward, local leaders will need to work together to ensure that the devolution deal works for everyone in the county and that Lancashire can make the most of this historic opportunity.