The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) met on Tuesday 9 September 2025. The meeting included the approval of its Vision and Objectives document, the Lancashire Growth Plan 2025-2035, and the Get Lancashire Working Plan. Updates were also received on the Local Transport Plan, Adult Skills Fund procurement options, and various advisory board activities.

Lancashire Combined County Authority Vision and Objectives

The LCCA approved its Vision and Objectives document for publication on its website, subject to any further comments or revisions. This document provides a high-level overview of the LCCA's role, priorities, principles, and governance. It reflects the objectives set out in the LCCA Proposal submitted to the Government in 2024, the Lancashire Growth Plan, and the Lancashire Transport Plan, while also taking into account the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The vision is to become a globally recognised, highly competitive, and sustainable region celebrated for its quality of life, connectivity, and opportunity.

Lancashire Growth Plan 2025-2035

The Authority approved the Lancashire Growth Plan 2025-2035 as the primary economic vision for the Combined County Authority. The plan, developed over 12 months with input from the Lancashire Business Board and the Economy Advisory Board, outlines a strategy to harness Lancashire's strengths and address challenges to attract investment. Officers, in conjunction with the Economy Advisory Board, will bring a further report detailing how the plan will be promoted and managed. Approval was also given to utilise the LCCA's platform to maximise opportunities for securing national investment and funding for growth plan delivery. The plan identifies five key sectors for growth: National Security and Resilience, Clean Growth and Nuclear Renaissance, Sustainable Digital and Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence, and Culture and Tourism. It also outlines seven strategic enablers for growth, including Infrastructure and Place Transformation, Knowledge and Innovation Assets, Business Growth and Enterprise, Skills for Growth and Inclusion, Health, Wellbeing, and Inclusive Communities, and Data and Evidence.

Local Transport Plan: Update and Approval to Consult

The LCCA considered an update on the Local Transport Plan (LTP) for Lancashire and approved the draft LTP and supplementary documents for public consultation. The LTP aims to support a stronger economy, with fairer opportunities, and a sustainable future. The consultation will be undertaken by the Director of Environment and Planning (Lancashire County Council), Deputy Chief Executive (Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council), and Director of Communications and Regeneration (Blackpool Borough Council). A revised draft LTP, along with consultation responses, will be shared with the LCCA Transport Advisory Board before a final version is submitted for approval in early 2026.

Get Lancashire Working

The Authority approved the 'Get Lancashire Working' Plan for submission to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and publication on the LCCA website. This plan, developed in partnership with the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Jobcentre Plus, aims to address economic inactivity and increase employment participation across Lancashire. Key priorities include stabilising the rise in economic inactivity, improving the integration of work, health, and skills provision, and targeting support for priority cohorts such as young adults, female carers, individuals with hidden disabilities, and those at risk of sickness absence. The plan aligns with the national target of achieving an 80% employment rate by 2035.

Adult Skills Fund – Procurement Options

The LCCA considered procurement strategy options for the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) and approved the recommendation to establish an open framework. This framework will provide a flexible, integrated, and future-proofed solution for procuring skills provision, encompassing ASF and Skills Bootcamps, and allowing for future devolved skills funds. Delegated authority was given to the Head of Paid Service, in consultation with the chair of the Skills Advisory Board, the Section 73 Officer and the Monitoring Officer, to approve the outcome of the procurement process and award service contracts. Additionally, delegated authority was granted to the Head of Paid Service, in consultation with the Chair of the LCCA, the Section 73 Officer and the Monitoring Officer, to confirm support for the laying of the Statutory Instrument to devolve the ASF to Lancashire, on request of the Department for Education, estimated for November 2025.

Advisory Board Updates

Updates were received from the Chairs of the Skills Advisory Board, Economy Advisory Board, and Transport Advisory Board. The Skills Advisory Board supported the proposal to appoint Fazal Dad CBE, Principal of Blackburn College, to the Skills Advisory Board as a second technical expert, following his appointment to the Board of Skills of England. The Economy Advisory Board noted changes in membership and a forward plan of work focusing on key sectors identified in the Growth Plan. The Transport Advisory Board reiterated the importance of East-West connectivity, particularly the Rosie's Line train, and expressed hope that the Combined Authority structure would give Lancashire greater influence in regional transport discussions.

Lancashire Business Board Update

Andy Walker and Mo Ishap provided an update on the Lancashire Business Board's activities. The Board has met five times and held two special-purpose meetings, focusing on the industrial strategy and supporting Lancashire's economic ambitions. They are working to understand the CCA's resources and budget to influence strategic decision-making and have supported Lancashire's presence at national events. A key point raised was the need for a clear workstream with defined priorities and financial clarity to move from preparation to delivery. The importance of a unified vision and consistent messaging for Lancashire was also stressed.

Employment and Workforce Matters

The LCCA approved the core Terms and Conditions of employment for the Authority, the implementation of a pay and grading structure for Green Book roles, including job evaluation arrangements, and the Employee Relations Framework. These proposals were developed through engagement with recognised Trade Unions and aim to establish fair and consistent employment practices.

Quarter 1 June 2025 Budget Monitoring

The Authority noted the Quarter 1 monitoring position against the 2025/26 Budget and Capital Programme. There was a forecast overspend of £68,641 on the revenue budget, primarily due to expenditure on memberships and UKREiiF. However, additional core funding of £140,000 resulted in a net positive variance, forecasting a surplus to reserves. Approval was given to create a membership budget line and to accept the Highways Maintenance Grant from the Department for Transport, which will be passported to the Upper Tier Authorities.

Lancashire Combined County Authority Engagement with the Great North Partnership

The LCCA agreed to participate in the Great North Partnership to develop collaborative relationships across the 11 mayors and CCA Chairs of the North. Authorisation was given for a LCCA payment of £30,000 to the Great North Partnership, covering subscription fees in 2025/26, subject to the outcome of the meeting of the Great North Partnership on 6th September 2025. This engagement aims to facilitate the development of the Great North brand and identify partnership opportunities.

Lancashire Combined County Authority - Forward Plan and Work Plan

The Authority approved the updated Work Plan for the LCCA to March 2026, as set out at Appendix 'A' of the report. Members raised concerns that the Work Programme focused heavily on internal governance and requested that items regarding project delivery and community impact be included. It was agreed that the Interim Chief Operating Officer would incorporate implementation activities into the forward plan and work plan to reflect the Authority's strategic ambitions.

The meeting concluded with no urgent business and the date of the next meeting set for 21 October 2025.