The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) met on Tuesday 8 September 2026, approving the Local Transport Delivery Plan and endorsing the proposed governance framework for the Lancashire Spatial Development Strategy. The meeting also saw the appointment of a new Chief Finance Officer and discussed the significant frustrations of the business community regarding the pace of devolution and investment compared to neighbouring authorities.

Bus Fare Freeze Extended

The LCCA confirmed that the £1 fare for evening and Sunday bus journeys in Lancashire would be retained until 31 December 2026. This decision was made following the government's announcement of a national £2 bus fare cap from January 2027. The cost of maintaining the £1 fare until the end of the year will be met from the overall budget for the scheme, simplifying messaging for passengers and providing a benefit through the Christmas period.

Governance Review and Future Devolution

Matthew Sidgreaves, Chief Operating Officer, provided a verbal update on the ongoing governance review and future devolution. He confirmed that leaders had jointly written to the new Secretary of State and the Minister for Devolution to highlight Lancashire's ongoing efforts to seek ministerial engagement on the future development of the LCCA and its role within the government's devolution agenda. A response was awaited, but officials indicated that the minister prioritised engagement with Lancashire.

Employment Matters: Chief Finance Officer Appointment

Gary Fielding was appointed as the Chief Finance Officer (Section 73 Officer) for the LCCA, replacing Mark Wynn. This appointment was made under a secondment agreement on the same terms as existing statutory officer roles. The LCCA is legally required to have a Chief Finance Officer to oversee its financial affairs and ensure proper administration.

Transport Delivery Plan and Implementation Update

The LCCA approved Lancashire's first Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) for submission to the Department for Transport. This plan outlines how £643.1 million of devolved transport funding will be invested between 2026 and 2030 to improve bus services, active travel infrastructure, rail, and electric vehicle infrastructure. The plan aligns with the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Core Strategy and the Department for Transport's Local Transport Outcomes Framework. The board also delegated authority to the Director of Transport, in consultation with statutory officers, to reallocate funding as necessary during delivery to maximise the impact of transport improvements across Lancashire. Discussions also touched upon the potential for the Clitheroe to Manchester line to be included in future rail development plans.

Lancashire Spatial Development Strategy Update

An update was provided on the preparation of Lancashire's Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), which will provide a statutory spatial framework for investment, development, and growth. Key policy and legislative changes were noted, including the delay in the commencement of SDS provisions and the laying of associated regulations until autumn 2026. The report detailed progress on preparatory workstreams, including resourcing, governance, early engagement, evidence base development, and digital services. The LCCA endorsed the proposed governance framework, including the establishment of an SDS Strategic Oversight Group and an SDS Advisory Board, and the spatial planning ecosystem diagram. The SDS will form part of the statutory development plan for Lancashire, influencing future local plans.

Adult Skills Fund and Wider Devolution Announcements

The devolved responsibility for the Adult Skills Fund successfully commenced on 1 August 2026, with approximately £45 million in annual funding supporting around 30,000 adult learners. This devolution marks a significant step towards a locally led skills system, with early evidence suggesting increased alignment of provider delivery plans with Lancashire's priorities. The report also highlighted government announcements regarding deeper devolution of education, skills, and employment provision, with the LCCA continuing to advocate for Lancashire's involvement in co-production and design of future devolved provision. Concerns were raised about the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and the need for increased resources to address this issue.

Lancashire Business Board Update

Mo Isap, Chair of the Lancashire Business Board, expressed significant frustration from the business community regarding Lancashire's comparative lack of progress in devolution and investment compared to neighbouring authorities. The board has written to the LCCA urging a move towards a mayoral strategic authority to access greater funding and capacity. It was highlighted that Lancashire had missed out on approximately £200 million in funding over the past six months due to a lack of capacity. The board stressed that economic development must be a pinnacle of discussions to secure good jobs and a strong economy for Lancashire, which can only be achieved through an integrated settlement and a quality civil service.

Advisory Boards Update

Updates were received from the chairs of the Transport, Economy, and Skills Advisory Boards. Councillor Phil Riley reported on significant investment in a new railway station at Cotton Parkway and progress on the Helifield story, noting the increasing number of ideas being generated for the transport implementation plan. Councillor Dave Flanagan, speaking on behalf of Councillor Lynn Williams MBE, highlighted discussions on infrastructure alignment, impact measurement, and the importance of the Lancashire Data Observatory. Councillor County Councillor Simon Evans reported on the devolution of the Adult Skills Fund and the need to prioritise activities that boost employment prospects for young people, particularly in light of the Milburn Review findings on NEET individuals.

Report of the Lancashire Combined County Authority Committees

The LCCA received updates from its Audit and Governance Committee and Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Audit and Governance Committee had reviewed the draft Code of Corporate Governance and the draft Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26, and noted the Internal Audit Annual Report, which provided a conclusion of reasonable assurance. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had reviewed its first twelve months of operation and endorsed a thematic approach to its future work programme, focusing on economy, transport, and skills.

2026/27 Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring Report

The report presented the budget performance for the first quarter of 2026/27. Proposed budget amendments included the transfer of the Skills Hub to the LCCA from 1 April 2027 and adjustments to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to reflect the remaining grant balance. The report noted a forecast overspend of £0.002m, resulting in a slight increase to the required contribution from reserves. The capital programme showed no projected variance at this stage, with much of the funding being passported to constituent authorities.

The meeting concluded with the approval of recommendations from the Advisory Boards Update, Lancashire Business Board Update, Governance Review/Future Devolution, and the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2026. The date of the next meeting was set for 17 November 2026.