The Lancashire Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Friday, 10 October 2025, to discuss the Lancashire Growth Plan and the committee's work programme. Key decisions included noting the appointment of Anthony Oakman as the independent Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and approving the draft work programme for 2025-26.

The Lancashire Growth Plan

The committee received a comprehensive update on the Lancashire Growth Plan, a document developed to outline the county's strategy for economic growth and attract investment. The plan identifies five priority sectors: National Security and Resilience, Clean Growth and a Nuclear Renaissance, Sustainable Digital and Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence, and Culture and Tourism. It also details 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.

The Growth Plan highlights Lancashire's strengths, such as its significant role in defence and aerospace, its potential in nuclear energy and clean growth, its developing digital and AI capabilities, its strong advanced engineering and manufacturing base, and its vibrant culture and tourism sector. The plan also acknowledges challenges, including connectivity gaps, investment constraints, and workforce pressures.

Members engaged in a detailed discussion about the plan's implementation, monitoring, and the need for clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure its impact. There was a strong emphasis on ensuring that the Growth Plan translates into tangible benefits for Lancashire's residents, such as new jobs and improved opportunities. The committee also discussed the importance of effective lobbying and securing government partnerships to realise the plan's ambitious goals.

The committee was asked to note the Growth Plan and its associated project pipeline, which outlines potential projects valued at over £20 billion. As part of the recommendation, officers were requested to prepare and present a programme of key milestones and KPIs to the committee to analyse the progress and impact of the CCA's economic development activities.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2025-26

The committee reviewed and approved the draft work programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2025-26 period. This programme is designed to align with the committee's responsibilities and includes regular reports on the Combined Authority's key priority areas. It was noted that the work programme is an evolving document, subject to adjustments as emerging priorities arise. The programme includes scheduled updates from the Chief Operating Officer and in-depth reviews of specific areas such as the Local Transport Authority mobilisation, skills and employment, and the delivery of the Get Lancashire Working Plan.

Key Decision Definition and Threshold Analysis Update

The committee noted the analysis update regarding the definition and threshold for Key Decisions within the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA). This update followed a previous decision to set the financial threshold for a key decision at £500,000. The analysis confirmed that this threshold is consistent with those set by other combined authorities and does not limit the committee's ability to scrutinise all LCCA functions.

Appointment of Independent LCCA Overview and Scrutiny Chair

The committee formally noted the appointment of Anthony Oakman as the independent Chair of the Lancashire Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee, following a recruitment process. Mr. Oakman introduced himself, outlining his approach to scrutiny, which he described as inclusive, engaging, and involving critical challenge. He stressed the importance of making efficient use of the committee's time.