Decision details

The following Motion was moved and seconded:

"This council supports the principle of devolution to Lancashire.

This council does not support the devolution package as presented, in which only the three upper tier/unitary authorities of Lancashire have all the power and receive all the funding.

Lancashire deserves a fair devolution package, similar to those adopted by our neighbours in the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester Combined Authority areas.

This council resolves to continue to work with partner districts in negotiating with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Lancashire County Council and Combined County Authority to call for

·        a review of the devolution deal currently being developed for Lancashire to ensure that it will deliver tangible benefits for West Lancashire and the county and that assurances can be made that any devolution deal and associated Governance arrangements will only be implemented if they are supported by majority of communities across Lancashire

·        a commitment to extensive and meaningful consultation with District Councils throughout the devolution deal process and the operation of the CCA

·        the future of UKSPF to be allocated to West Lancashire Borough Council and districts for distribution, enabling the greatest local and social benefit to businesses, voluntary and community sectors

·        working with the District Councils Network, an end to the discrepancy which means that in CCAs only county councils and any unitary authorities within the area get voting rights."

RESOLVED:

A.    That this Council supports the principle of devolution to Lancashire.

B.    That this Council does not support the devolution package as presented, in which only the three upper tier/unitary authorities of Lancashire have all the power and receive all the funding.

C.    That Lancashire deserves a fair devolution package, similar to those adopted by our neighbours in the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester Combined Authority areas.

D.    That this Council continues to work with partner districts in negotiating with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Lancashire County Council and Combined County Authority to call for:

·     a review of the devolution deal currently being developed for Lancashire to ensure that it will deliver tangible benefits for West Lancashire and the county and that assurances can be made that any devolution deal and associated Governance arrangements will only be implemented if they are supported by majority of communities across Lancashire

·     a commitment to extensive and meaningful consultation with District Councils throughout the devolution deal process and the operation of the CCA

·     the future of UKSPF to be allocated to West Lancashire Borough Council and districts for distribution, enabling the greatest local and social benefit to businesses, voluntary and community sectors

·     working with the District Councils Network, an end to the discrepancy which means that in CCAs only county councils and any unitary authorities within the area get voting rights