Lancashire Devolution Consultation
19 January 2024 by Ed
The consultation provides an opportunity to contribute to the conversation about ways that culture and creativity can be positioned within plans and how new powers and spending capabilities could be applied to support the creative and cultural life in the region,
Your chance to contribute on how culture and creativity will be positioned in the devolution plans for Lancashire.
In November 2023, the Government announced it would be willing to enter into a devolution deal with Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council.
The deal, if given final approval, will transfer new money and powers from central Government to a newly created Combined County Authority, allowing it to tackle key local priorities.
The deal would not require a change to the established democratic structures across the county or the need for an elected mayor. It will not require an extra charge on council tax.
Read the Lancashire Combined Authority Draft Proposal here
The consultation provides an opportunity to contribute to the conversation about ways that culture and creativity can be positioned within plans and how new powers and spending capabilities could be applied to support the creative and cultural life in the region.
The Government understands the crucial role that culture and creativity can play in devolution plans:
We want to understand what ‘further cultural powers’ the UK Government could extend to local areas to give them greater control over specific creative and cultural policy and spend.
Michael Gove - Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Consultation
The consultation is your chance to learn about the proposal, understand how it could affect the region, and have your say. Complete the online questionnaire
During the consultation, you can find out more and share your views in a number of ways:
- Online survey
- Public information sessions: Attend in-person sessions where you can receive information and engage directly with officials. These will be regularly updated on this website
- Paper surveys: If you are unable to access the consultation digitally please visit your local library to request a printed questionnaire, or call 0300 123 6782
- Alternative versions: If you require an alternative version of the survey such as braille or another language, please email devolution@lancashire.gov.uk.
To stay updated and informed about the Lancashire devolution proposal and the consultation, you can sign up for our newsletter and follow official social media channels related to the devolution deal.
Events
We’re holding consultation events, where you can give your views on the proposed devolution deal for Lancashire.
Drop in consultation events
- Monday 22 January – 6pm to 7pm in Colne Library, Market Street, Colne, BB8 0AP
- Monday 22 January – 6pm to 7pm in Skelmersdale Library, Southway, Skelmersdale, WN8 6NL
- Tuesday 23 January – 6pm to 7pm in Haslingden Library, Higher Deardengate, Haslingden, Rossendale, BB4 5QL
- Wednesday 24 January – 6pm to 7pm in Fulwood Library, 294 Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9RX
- Thursday 25 January – 6pm to 7pm in St Anne's Library, 254 Clifton Drive South, Lytham St Annes, FY8 1NR
Gathering your views and ideas is important to make sure the deal meets the the aspirations and priorities of the county.
We want to hear what you think about the draft devolution proposal.
A consultation will run until 26 January 2024.
Anyone who lives or works in Lancashire, as well as businesses and other interested parties can give their feedback.