The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss a range of important transport, skills, and economic development matters. Key decisions included retaining the £1 evening and Sunday bus fare until the end of the year and approving Lancashire's first Local Transport Delivery Plan.

Bus Fares Retained at £1 for Evenings and Sundays

The LCCA decided to retain the current £1 fare for single bus journeys on evenings and Sundays in Lancashire until 31 December 2026. This decision was made following the government's announcement of a national bus fare cap of £2 from 1 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. This decision was seen as simpler for passengers and good news for users and businesses, particularly during the Christmas period.

Approval of Local Transport Delivery Plan and Implementation Update

The LCCA approved Lancashire's first Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) for submission to the Department for Transport. The plan outlines how the authority will invest £643.1 million of devolved transport funding between 2026 and 2030 to deliver priorities agreed through the Local Transport Plan (LTP). The funding settlement includes £571.5 million in capital funding and £71.6 million in revenue funding, providing long-term certainty for transport improvements. The programme includes investment in bus services, active travel, rail improvements, and electric vehicle infrastructure.

The meeting also noted progress on the development of the LTP Implementation Plan, which received approximately 1,800 responses during public consultation, identifying around 70 additional scheme proposals. The LCCA also agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Transport, in consultation with statutory officers, to reallocate funding where necessary to maximise the delivery of Lancashire-wide priorities. Councillor Phil Riley declared an interest in the Clitheroe to Manchester line as part of discussions on rail improvements.

Lancashire Spatial Development Strategy Update

An update was provided on the preparation of Lancashire's Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), which will provide a spatial framework for investment, development, and growth with statutory weight. The SDS will form part of the development plan for Lancashire, alongside local plans. The report detailed progress on preparatory and enabling workstreams, including resourcing, governance, early engagement, evidence base development, and digital/technical services. The LCCA endorsed the proposed SDS planning ecosystem diagram, indicative SDS and Local Plan timetables, and emerging governance arrangements. The SDS regulations are now expected in autumn 2026, with a formal timetable for the SDS to be published in early 2027. The LCCA has secured £200,000 as part of a consortium bid for the Government's PropTech 6 funding round to test a digital SDS Hub.

Adult Skills Fund and Wider Devolution Announcements

The LCCA received an update on the successful commencement of the devolved Adult Skills Fund (ASF) on 1 August 2026. This devolution marks a significant milestone, with the LCCA now having greater influence over how adult skills investment supports economic growth and addresses labour market challenges. Provider delivery plans show an increase in planned activity aligned with Lancashire's priorities, including a 16.4% rise in starts for priority-aligned learning. The Community Grants Programme is also operational, aiming to engage disadvantaged residents through local voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise organisations. The report also highlighted recent government announcements regarding deeper devolution of education, skills, and employment provision, including potential devolution of 16-19 education budgets and greater influence over employment support for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Lancashire Business Board Update

Mo Isap, Chair of the Lancashire Business Board, provided a verbal update expressing frustration from the business community regarding Lancashire's progress on devolution compared to neighbouring authorities. The Board has requested the LCCA progress towards a mayoral strategic authority to secure greater investment and capacity. Mr. Isap highlighted that Lancashire has missed out on significant funding opportunities, estimated at £200 million in the last six months, due to a lack of capacity. He stressed the critical need for economic development to be a pinnacle of discussions, arguing that current investment is disproportionately focused on core services. Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Leader of the County Council, noted that attempts to meet with the Minister for Devolution since March had been repeatedly cancelled, and that information received suggested no immediate funding was available for Lancashire.

Employment Matters - Appointment of Chief Finance Officer

The LCCA approved the appointment of Gary Fielding as the Chief Finance Officer (Section 73 Officer) for the Lancashire Combined County Authority. Mr. Fielding is currently the Chief Finance Officer at Lancashire County Council and will serve under a secondment agreement. This appointment ensures the authority meets its statutory obligations for key officers.

Advisory Boards Update

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

• Transport Advisory Board: Councillor Phil Riley reported on progress, including the signing off of a press release for significant investment in a new railway station at Cottam Parkway. He also noted the growing number of new ideas being generated for the implementation plan, highlighting the challenge for officers in assessing their practicality.
• Economy Advisory Board: Councillor Dave Flanagan, speaking on behalf of Councillor Lynn Williams, provided an update on progress against the Lancashire Growth Plan and major projects. He emphasised the importance of infrastructure alignment, impact measurement, and the Lancashire Data Observatory.
• Skills Advisory Board: County Councillor Simon Evans reported on the devolution of the Adult Skills Fund and additional funds for engineering provision. The board discussed the need to prioritise activities boosting employment prospects for young people and noted early findings of the Milburn Review regarding NEET and youth unemployment.

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 met on 13 July 2026, approving its draft Code of Corporate Governance and noting the draft Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 24 July 2026, endorsing a thematic approach to its future work programme focusing on economy, transport, and skills.

2026/27 Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring Report

The LCCA reviewed the 2026/27 Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring Report. A key budget amendment proposed was the transfer of the Skills Hub to the LCCA from 1 April 2027, rather than in-year, to ensure a smooth transition of staff and contracts. The report noted a forecast overspend of £0.002m, resulting in a slight increase to the required contribution from reserves. The capital programme remains largely unchanged, with most grant allocations being passported to constituent councils. The report also detailed the progress and remaining balance of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), which are due to end on 30 September 2026.