Opinions divided as claims current
BY ROBBIE MACDONALD
THE current government-backed devolution idea for a future Lancashire combined county authority has been rejected in a formal debate at West Lancashire Council.
But councillors want other devolution ideas.
The Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA) idea was unveiled in November by the government.
Out of 15 Lancashire councils, the plan suggests three – Lancashire County Council, Blackburn and Blackpool – would have voting powers for decision-making on the new authority.
They would be called ‘constituent’ members.
But voting powers for Lancashire’s district or borough councils, such as West Lancashire, are not proposed.
Their status would be different and they could be represented by two ‘observers’ rather than voting members.
However, the new authority could make a final decision on this, it has been said.
Labour Coun Yvonne Gagen, the political leader of
West Lancashire Council, led a devolution debate at the council’s latest full meeting.
Introducing her written motion, she said: “I brought this to the council because I feel passionately about the issue but I am totally disillusioned with this current proposed devolution deal.
“The community needs to understand the benefits of devolution.
“But there are not any in these proposals.
“I know devolution can offer enormous opportunities for public services and other things.
“And I also know Lancashire can play a part.
“We are committed to playing our part.
“But we want a similar status to Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
“We feel residents of West Lancashire will be illserved by these current Lancashire proposals.”
She added: “Local leaders would not be on the new Lancashire combined county authority and would not have any voting rights.
“It is a great opportunity lost.
“This proposal was put forward by the three upperunchanged