The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) met on Tuesday 14 April 2026, approving the adoption of its Local Transport Plan Core Strategy and its Implementation Plan, and receiving updates on the Spatial Development Strategy, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the Business Board. The Authority also approved its Members' Allowance Scheme and Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27.

Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) - Inception

The Authority was briefed on the new duty, introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, requiring strategic authorities like the LCCA to prepare a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). This strategy will form part of the statutory development plan and will set a framework for investment and growth, addressing issues such as housing need, strategic infrastructure, economic growth, and climate resilience. The LCCA's proposed geographical boundary for the SDS aligns with its own footprint, and initial preparatory work is being supported by a £414,284 grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The Authority noted this new duty and the arrangements for preparatory work.

Local Transport Plan - Core Strategy Adoption

The LCCA adopted the Lancashire Local Transport Plan (LTP) Core Strategy, a statutory document setting out the county's transport priorities for 2025-2045. The strategy aims to deliver a stronger economy, fairer opportunities, and a sustainable future through four key workstreams: Connecting Lancashire, Transforming Travel Choices, Safe and Vibrant Communities, and Future-Ready Networks. The plan was developed following statutory public consultation, with updates made to reflect feedback received. The Core Strategy will be supported by further documents, including an Implementation Plan, which details specific schemes and strategies for delivery.

Local Transport Plan - Implementation Plan

The Authority approved the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) Implementation Plan for 2026-2030 for public consultation. This plan translates the long-term ambitions of the Core Strategy into short-term priorities, identifying specific schemes and strategies for development and delivery. It is structured around the four workstreams of the Core Strategy and prioritises schemes based on strategic fit, value for money, and deliverability. The plan aligns with the LCCA's consolidated funding settlement and will be reviewed following public consultation.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Programme Update

An update was provided on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme in Lancashire, covering progress to December 2025 and ongoing activity to mitigate the implications of the fund's end in September 2026. The report highlighted that £11.8 million of the £22.4 million allocation for 2025/26 had been spent by the end of December 2025. The Authority noted the programme's progress and the ongoing work to assess and mitigate the impact of the fund's cessation, including dialogue with local authorities. It was also noted that LCCA leaders intended to raise the issue of the lack of a successor programme with the government.

Members' Allowance Scheme 2026/27

The Authority approved the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026/27. The scheme has been updated to include an annual allowance of £2,000 for the independent chairs of the Scrutiny and Audit committees. The Authority also authorised the Monitoring Officer to make any necessary further amendments to the scheme for 2026/27, including those related to the Local Government Pension Scheme eligibility for elected members.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 & Other Employment Matters

The Authority agreed to the proposed Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, which outlines the LCCA's approach to the remuneration of its employees. It also agreed to the continued appointment of the three Statutory Officers – Head of Paid Service, Monitoring Officer, and Section 73 Officer – through secondment agreements with the constituent councils. An update was provided on the recruitment for the Director of Transport post, with interviews scheduled.

Report of the Lancashire Combined County Authority Committees

The Authority received updates from its Audit and Governance Committee and its Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Audit and Governance Committee noted reports on key updates, the financial assurance framework, internal audit progress, counter financial crime policies, the corporate risk register, and its work programme. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee received updates on the Chief Operating Officer's report, the 'Get Lancashire Working' programme, the budget, and its work programme.

Business Board Update

Mo Isap, representing the Business Board, provided an update on two key strands of work: the Northern Growth Strategy and the Innovation Business Support Fund bid. Regarding the Northern Growth Strategy, the Board is focusing on supporting mid-market companies to scale, aiming to generate significant job growth. The Board also discussed the unsuccessful bid for the Innovation Business Support Fund and the strategic need for collaboration with neighbouring authorities for future funding opportunities. The Authority noted this update.

The meeting also included the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting, a governance review update, and the confirmation of the date for the next meeting.