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 the approval of the Local Skills Improvement Plan's supporting statement, the methodology for allocating the Post-16 Capacity Fund, and an increase in the Local Authority Bus Grant single fare offer.

Constitution, Membership and Appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies

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. Membership of Advisory Boards, the Audit and Governance Committee, and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee were confirmed, along with appointments to Outside Bodies. Authority was delegated to the Monitoring Officer to fill any vacancies.

Governance Review/Future Devolution

A verbal update was provided on the ongoing governance review and future devolution discussions. Members were informed that a planned meeting with the Minister for Devolution had been cancelled, but leaders had written to the new minister to express their willingness to engage.

Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)

The Authority approved the supporting statement for the Lancashire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). This plan, developed by the North and West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, aims to align post-16 technical education and training with local labour market needs. The supporting statement confirms the LCCA's commitment to working with the Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders to implement the plan, which aligns with the Lancashire Growth Plan and Get Lancashire Working strategy.

Post-16 Capacity Fund

The Authority endorsed the methodology for allocating the £11.5 million Post-16 Capacity Fund, which is intended to increase capacity in further education colleges and sixth form colleges to meet demographic growth. The methodology, developed collaboratively with The Lancashire College group, uses ONS population projections and learner data to determine indicative allocations. Authority was delegated to the Chief Operating Officer to approve business cases and enter into grant funding agreements with the colleges.

Additionally, the Authority approved the direct award of £166,000 in Further Education Teacher Industry Exchange Funds for the construction sector to the North West Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC). This aims to coordinate industry exchange programmes across the region, enhancing teaching quality and tutor professional development.

Local Authority Bus Grant

The Authority approved an increase in the single fare offer for evening and Sunday bus journeys funded by the Local Authority Bus Grant. The fare will rise from £1 to £2 from Sunday 13 September 2026 until 31 March 2027. This decision was made due to a reduction in revenue funding for 2026/27 and anticipated increases in operational costs. While acknowledging potential adverse impacts on individuals with protected characteristics, the Authority considered this a necessary measure to maintain the scheme within budget and provide a phased increase compared to a potential larger rise after March 2027.

Lancashire Integrated Transport Identity Strategy

The Authority agreed to the development of a single, integrated transport identity for the LCCA area. This strategy aims to create a more recognisable and consistent transport network across Lancashire, improving clarity for passengers and supporting the LCCA's wider economic and connectivity ambitions. Implementation will be phased, aligning with asset renewal and replacement cycles to ensure value for money. Authority was delegated to the Head of Paid Service, in consultation with statutory officers, to support the development of this identity.

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 report also detailed the capital programme outturn, noting that some grant funding was passported to constituent councils, resulting in a net nil impact on the overall capital programme.

Lancashire Combined County Authority Senior Leadership Structure

Approval was given for the permanent establishment of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) post. The current interim COO, who has been in post for 12 months, was appointed to the permanent role on Chief Officer Terms & Conditions, Director Group 1. This decision aims to ensure continuity and leadership for the LCCA as it continues to grow and evolve.

Business Board Update

Mo Isap, Chair of the Lancashire Business Board, provided a positive update, stating that the board was cracking on with nothing majorly to report but highlighting the exceptional efforts of the executive team. He thanked the team for going above and beyond and stressed the need for continued support and encouragement.

Advisory Boards Update

Updates were received from the chairs of the Transport, Economy, and Skills Advisory Boards.

• Transport Advisory Board: Councillor Phil Riley reported that the board's meeting had been postponed due to planning decisions. He noted ongoing engagement with the Local Transport Plan consultation, acknowledging that not everyone was happy with the proposals. He expressed a keenness to see tangible results from the Combined Authority's work.
• Economy Advisory Board: Councillor Lynn Williams MBE stated that the board had not met since the last LCCA meeting but had a meeting scheduled for the following week. The agenda included a report back from UK Reef and discussions on the Lancashire Investment Fund, with a focus on innovative utilisation and alignment with other investment funds and the growth plan. Economic development was highlighted as a central item for the CCA scrutiny the following month.
• Skills Advisory Board: County Councillor Simon Evans reported that the board had held additional meetings, including an extraordinary session to review the draft Local Skills Improvement Plan. The next meeting would focus on the Adult Skills Fund and discussions regarding the Milburn Review's early findings on youth unemployment. He noted the critical nature of the review's findings regarding young adults' ability to secure first-time jobs and stressed the need for collective action. Councillor Matthew Salter will be taking over as Chair of the Skills Advisory Board.

The Authority approved the recommendations from the Advisory Boards Update.