The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 24 July 2026 to review the committee's first year of operation and endorse a thematic approach for the upcoming year. Key discussions included the Lancashire Growth Plan, the Authority's overall progress, and the work of its advisory boards, with a commitment to more detailed scrutiny of economic data and performance frameworks.

12-Month Review of the Committee

The committee reviewed its first year of operation, noting that its focus had been on scrutinising key policy documents such as the Lancashire Growth Plan, Local Transport Plan, and Get Lancashire Working Plan. A thematic approach for the next municipal year was endorsed, aligning scrutiny with the Authority's core priorities of economy, transport, and skills. This will involve the attendance of Advisory Board Chairs and lead officers at future meetings. Members also highlighted the need for specific training on Combined County Authority scrutiny and requested a further review of the committee's effectiveness in six months.

Lancashire Growth Plan - Progress Update and Performance Framework

Peter Thomas, Programme Manager, presented an update on the Lancashire Growth Plan, highlighting its establishment as the county's principal economic framework. The plan has been instrumental in shaping Lancashire's narrative for government and investors, supported by the launch of the Lancashire Investment Prospectus. Progress has been made in key sectors such as defence, nuclear, and advanced manufacturing, with ongoing work on transformational projects like Preston Station Quarter. A performance monitoring framework, including a Data Observatory and a dashboard of strategic indicators, is being developed to track the Growth Plan's delivery and Lancashire's wider economic performance. Members stressed the importance of district-level data and the inclusion of the coastal and visitor economy in performance monitoring. A future detailed scrutiny session on the Data Observatory and Growth Plan performance framework was proposed.

LCCA Economic Advisory Board - Delivery to date and future priorities

Councillor Lynn Williams, Chair of the Economic Advisory Board (EAB), presented an overview of the board's work over the past year. The EAB has primarily supported the development and implementation of the Lancashire Growth Plan, focusing on data, monitoring, and performance measures. The board has also considered key growth sectors and engaged with the Lancashire Business Board, contributing to the development of investment opportunities and a pipeline of projects. The EAB's forward plan includes continued focus on the Growth Plan, business support services, the role of innovation and higher education institutions, and the visitor economy, alongside navigating the implications of Local Government Reorganisation.

LCCA Audit Work Programme 2026-27

The committee noted the Audit and Governance Committee Work Programme for 2026/27, with assurances provided on the alignment and visibility between the work programmes of both committees. Members sought clarification on the inclusion of Local Government Reorganisation on the Authority's Risk Register, which was confirmed to be present, encompassing governance and capacity issues.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2026/27 and Actions Tracker

The committee considered its proposed work programme for 2026/27, which includes thematic meetings on transport and skills, with a specific focus on the Devolved Adult Skills Fund. Members requested more in-depth scrutiny of the Data Observatory, economic performance framework, and Growth Plan monitoring arrangements, with support for a dedicated deep-dive session. The potential use of working groups for detailed review was discussed, with a preference for full committee deep-dive sessions at this stage. Oversight of the emerging Spatial Development Strategy was also highlighted as important. Officers agreed to explore options for further scrutiny of economic performance measures and confirmed that updates on the Spatial Development Strategy would be included in future updates.

Constitution, Membership and Terms of Reference

The committee noted the membership and Terms of Reference for the 2026/27 municipal year, as approved by the LCCA. Members acknowledged the potential implications of Local Government Reorganisation on future governance arrangements and were advised that the committee would continue to operate under its current terms of reference until any revised arrangements were formally communicated.

Chief Operating Officer Update

Matthew Sidgreaves, Chief Operating Officer, provided an update on key developments within the Lancashire Combined County Authority. Updates covered economic development, including participation at UKREiiF and the launch of the Lancashire Investment Prospectus, transport, including the appointment of a new Director of Transport, and preparations for the devolution of the Adult Skills Fund. Members discussed the importance of timely scrutiny, stronger links between advisory boards, and appropriate governance for new responsibilities.

Minutes of the meeting held on 9 March 2026

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 March 2026 were confirmed as an accurate record.