Uncertainty over devo deal progress after election call

By Ged Henderson

24 May 2024

Lancashire Devolution

A question mark hangs over the progress of Lancashire’s devolution deal following Rishi Sunak’s decision to call a snap general election.

Lancashire local government officers are now in talks with central government officials over the impact it will have on the devo deal timetable.

The agreement that has been reached to create a Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA) has to be approved by parliament. And the deal can only be confirmed once that legislation is made.

In March, Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council agreed to submit the county’s historic devolution proposal to the government for that approval.

Levelling up, housing and communities secretary Michael Gove was expected to lay an order in parliament to establish the new combined authority before the summer recess, with the new CCA being established by the autumn.

However, the calling of the July 4 general election means that the dissolution of parliament will take place on Thursday, May 30.

There is a period of several days, known as ‘wash-up’, between an election being called and the dissolution of parliament.

During that time parliament will continue as normal, but any business not completed by the end of it will not enter into law and cannot be continued into the next parliament. A number of bills have fallen by the wayside as a result.

Asked by Lancashire Business View what impact the calling of the election would have on the devo timetable, a county council spokesperson said: “We firmly believe that a devolution deal continues to be in the best interests of both Lancashire’s residents and businesses.

“Officers are now in discussion with government officials regarding the impact the calling of the general election will have on the progression of the Lancashire Combined County Authority regulations.”

The three councils have been working together with central government to secure the deal which will see powers and budgets devolved from central government to Lancashire.

The CCA aims to provide a single body for the whole of the county to champion its interests, deliver on local priorities and provide greater local accountability and decision-making powers.

An initial £20m capital funding will be unlocked when parliamentary approval is secured to support innovation led growth and net zero ambitions across Lancashire.

Under the government’s devolution framework, it is proposed that further powers and funding will then be devolved to the CCA including for adult education.

A public consultation showed the majority of respondents supported the deal. Many of Lancashire’s largest and most strategic employers and organisations, including all five universities operating in the county, also showed their approval through both the formal consultation and by letters of support.

However, a number of district councils in the county have said they could not support the deal in its present form.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Ged Henderson

Latest news

1

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid inspired-500x500.png

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid

23 Apr 2025

2

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire. Thompsons meeting (1).png.png

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire.

22 Apr 2025

3

Business academies to continue for an additional year Cllr Mark Smith (r) with Top Gun Tools & Fixings team presenting Blackpool Net Zero Academy certificate

Business academies to continue for an additional year

22 Apr 2025

4

Napthens advises A Lamb Associates (ALA) and subsidiary Morham & Brotchie Partnership on their acquisition by Hawkins & Associates Richard Robinson Feat IMG

Napthens advises A Lamb Associates (ALA) and subsidiary Morham & Brotchie Partnership on their acquisition by Hawkins & Associates

22 Apr 2025

5

Six promotions at Farleys Solicitors Promotions at Farleys Solicitors

Six promotions at Farleys Solicitors

22 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: April
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
25 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: April

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin