The Lancashire Combined County Authority met on Tuesday 23 June 2026, appointing Councillor Stephen Atkinson as Chair and Councillor Lynn Williams MBE as Vice Chair. Key decisions included approving the methodology for allocating the £11.5 million Post-16 Capacity Fund, increasing the evening and Sunday bus fare to £2, and establishing a permanent Chief Operating Officer role.

Constitution, Membership and Appointments

The Authority approved its constitution for the 2026/27 municipal year, noting minor amendments and agreeing to a comprehensive review of the constitution later in the year. Appointments were made to various Advisory Boards, including the Economy Advisory Board, Skills Advisory Board, and Transport Advisory Board. The membership of the Audit and Governance Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee were also approved, along with nominations to outside bodies.

Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)

Dr Michele Lawty-Jones presented the Local Skills Improvement Plan, outlining the statutory duty for employer representative bodies to develop plans that inform post-16 training. The North and West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, working with the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, leads this initiative in Lancashire. The Authority endorsed a supporting statement for the LSIP, affirming its alignment with local growth plans and commitment to inclusive skills development. The LSIP identifies key skills shortages in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, construction, social care, and digital, with a particular focus on addressing the need for experienced staff and the growing importance of AI skills.

Post-16 Capacity Fund

The Authority approved the methodology for allocating the £11.5 million Post-16 Capacity Fund, which aims to increase post-16 training capacity in response to demographic growth. The funding will be distributed to eleven colleges within The Lancashire College group based on a data-driven methodology that considers district growth and learner numbers. Indicative allocations range from £170,139 for West Lancashire College to £2,067,175 for Cardinal Newman College. The Authority also approved the direct award of £166,000 in FE Teacher Industry Exchange Funds to the Northwest Construction Technical Excellence College to support the construction sector.

Local Authority Bus Grant

Following consultation with bus operators and the Transport Advisory Board, the Authority approved an increase in the evening and Sunday single bus fare from £1 to £2, effective from Sunday 13 September 2026 until 31 March 2027. This decision was made due to reduced funding and increased costs associated with the Local Authority Bus Grant.

Lancashire Integrated Transport Identity Strategy

The Authority agreed to develop a single, integrated transport identity for the Lancashire Combined County Authority area. This phased approach, aligned with asset renewal cycles, aims to improve passenger clarity and network consistency without incurring additional costs. The strategy will be implemented over several years, starting with digital platforms and customer communications.

2025/26 Financial Outturn Report

The Authority received the 2025/26 financial outturn report, which showed a revenue budget underspend of £0.699 million. This underspend will be transferred to reserves, increasing the closing reserves balance to £2.435 million. The capital programme saw variations due to grants being paid directly to constituent councils, but the net impact was neutral.

Lancashire Combined County Authority Senior Leadership Structure

The Authority approved the permanent establishment of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) post, appointing the current interim postholder to the role on Chief Officer Terms & Conditions, Director Group 1. This decision aims to ensure continuity and avoid further recruitment costs.

Business Board and Advisory Board Updates

Updates were provided on the activities of the Business Board and the various Advisory Boards, including the Transport, Economy, and Skills Advisory Boards. Discussions covered economic growth strategies, investment funds, skills development, and the ongoing work of these boards in shaping the Authority's priorities.

Governance Review/Future Devolution

A verbal update was given on the governance review and future devolution, noting that council leaders had met with the Minister for Devolution. While a planned meeting in May 2026 was cancelled, leaders have written to the Minister to express their willingness to engage further.

The next meeting of the Lancashire Combined County Authority was scheduled for Tuesday 8 September 2026.