The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) met on Tuesday 9 September 2025 to approve its Vision and Objectives, the Lancashire Growth Plan 2025-2035, and the Get Lancashire Working Plan. The meeting also saw the approval of the draft Local Transport Plan for public consultation, alongside decisions on employment matters and budget monitoring.

Lancashire Combined County Authority Vision and Objectives

The LCCA approved its Vision and Objectives document, which outlines the authority's role, priorities, principles, and governance. This document, developed by a policy team from constituent authorities, aims to provide a high-level overview for the public and stakeholders. It reflects the LCCA's proposal to government, the Lancashire Growth Plan, and the Lancashire Transport Plan, and takes into account the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The vision is to build upon Lancashire's strengths to become a globally recognised, highly competitive, and sustainable region, celebrated for its quality of life, connectivity, and opportunity. Key objectives include providing a unified voice for Lancashire, implementing the Growth Plan, competing for national resources, fostering collaboration, and exploring further devolution opportunities.

Lancashire Growth Plan 2025-2035

The LCCA formally approved the Lancashire Growth Plan 2025-2035 as the primary economic vision for the Combined County Authority. This plan, developed over 12 months with input from the Lancashire Business Board and the Economy Advisory Board, aims to deliver a £20 billion growth opportunity for the county. It identifies five priority sectors: National Security and Resilience, Clean Growth and Nuclear Renaissance, Sustainable Digital and Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence, and Culture and Tourism. The plan also outlines six strategic enablers for growth: 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. Officers will now bring a further report detailing how the plan will be promoted and actioned, and the LCCA will utilise its platform to secure national investment and government funding.

Local Transport Plan: Update and Approval to Consult

An update on the Local Transport Plan (LTP) was presented, with approval sought to proceed with public consultation on the draft documents. The LTP, developed over a significant period by all three constituent authorities, sets out a vision for Lancashire's transport network to support a stronger economy, fairer opportunities, and a sustainable future. Key goals include strengthening labour markets, improving accessibility, enhancing health and wellbeing, protecting the environment, and increasing Lancashire's influence. The plan will be subject to public consultation in Autumn 2025, with a revised draft to be presented to the LCCA Transport Advisory Board for comment before a final version is submitted for approval in early 2026.

Get Lancashire Working

The LCCA approved the 'Get Lancashire Working' Plan, which will be submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions and published on the LCCA website. This plan, developed in partnership with the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board and Jobcentre Plus, aims to reduce economic inactivity and increase employment participation across Lancashire. It focuses on stabilising the system, improving integration between work, health, and skills provision, and delivering targeted support for priority groups such as young adults, female carers, individuals with hidden disabilities, and those at risk of sickness absence. The plan aligns with the national ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate by 2035.

Adult Skills Fund – Procurement Options

The LCCA considered procurement strategy options for the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), recommending the establishment of an open framework to provide a flexible, integrated, and future-proofed solution for skills programmes. This framework will also support Skills Bootcamps and potential future devolved skills funds. Delegated authority was also sought to support the laying of a statutory instrument in November 2025, enabling the formal devolution of the Adult Skills Fund to the LCCA from August 2026.

Advisory Board Updates

Updates were received from the Skills Advisory Board, Economy Advisory Board, and Transport Advisory Board. The Skills Advisory Board noted progress on the Lancashire Growth Plan and the Get Lancashire Working Plan, and supported the appointment of Dr Faisal Dad, Principal of Blackburn College, as a technical expert. The Economy Advisory Board discussed its forward plan, focusing on key sectors identified in the Growth Plan and integrating economic imperatives with transport and skills agendas. The Transport Advisory Board reiterated the importance of East-West connectivity, particularly the Rosie's Line, and expressed concerns about Lancashire's voice being lost 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 highlighted the need for a clear workstream with defined priorities and financial clarity to ensure the board's continued motivation and effectiveness. The importance of a unified vision and consistent messaging for Lancashire was also stressed.

Employment and Workforce Matters

Approval was sought and granted for the core Terms and Conditions of employment for the LCCA, a pay and grading structure for Green Book roles, and an Employee Relations Framework. These proposals, developed in consultation with HR colleagues and trade unions, aim to establish fair and consistent employment practices within the Authority.

Quarter 1 June 2025 Budget Monitoring

The LCCA reviewed its budget monitoring position for Quarter 1 to June 2025. An additional expenditure of £68,641 was noted, attributed to new opportunities and membership fees, while additional income of £140,000 from government core funding was received. This resulted in a net positive variance to the budget, with a forecast surplus going into reserves. Approval was also given to accept the Highways Maintenance Grant from the Department for Transport and to passport it back 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, a collaboration of northern mayors and CCA chairs, to develop regional relationships and identify opportunities. A payment of £30,000 was authorised for subscription fees for 2025/26, subject to the outcome of a meeting of the Great North Partnership. This engagement aims to develop the Great North brand and promote pan-northern initiatives, including bidding for the UK's Global Investment Summit.

Lancashire Combined County Authority - Forward Plan and Work Plan

The LCCA approved its updated Work Plan for the period to March 2026. A member raised concerns that the plan focused heavily on internal governance and requested that items regarding project delivery and community impact be included. The Interim Chief Operating Officer was asked to incorporate a mobilisation and implementation activities plan into future versions of the work plan.

The meeting concluded with the confirmation of the date for the next meeting on 21 October 2025.