Rossendale Borough Council expresses concerns in relation to the proposed devolution deal for Lancashire.
Rossendale Borough Council has expressed its reservations about the proposed devolution deal for Lancashire in its response to the consultation. The council has stated that it believes the current proposals fall short of delivering similar benefits for Lancashire, of those seen in other areas such as Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region.
Council Leader Alyson Barnes said: “We recognise the potential a devolution deal for Lancashire could have, but the current proposal falls short in addressing many key concerns that districts have.
“We’d like to see a more robust and inclusive plan to truly benefit our communities and unlock Lancashire’s full potential. There's a distinct lack of inclusion for districts, raising concerns that the main benefits may disproportionately favour the three main upper tier councils, leaving the districts at a distinct disadvantage with this proposed arrangement.”
In a report delivered at an extraordinary council meeting earlier this week Rossendale Borough Council laid out its concerns.
Key concerns include the management of future rounds of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), currently worth £43 million to Lancashire district councils with the council advocating for continued responsibility at the district council level.
Councillor Barnes added: “The proposals for management of future rounds of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)is a prime example. The 12 district councils in Lancashire received over £43 million between us. Our allocation of just over £2 million is assisting a wide range of projects and organisations across the Valley focusing on the delivery of local priorities that potentially would not have been funded by a central allocation.
“Changing it to a more remote arrangement with a limited understanding of local needs and requirements will lead to failure. A one size fits all approach just wouldn’t work.”
The provision of £6 million of capital investment to the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone and £6 million to the Blackburn Technology Innovation Quarter is welcome investment in the county. However, the scale and geographic impact, specifically in the districts of East Lancashire, are limited.
The Council believes that capital requirement to support connectivity, access to opportunities and a sustainable economy across the county as a whole - and specifically the challenges in the districts of East Lancashire – is far greater than that proposed.
The proposal for a County Combined Authority (CCA) raises governance concerns, as district councils are not recognised as constituent members. The Council wants to emphasise the pivotal role of district councils in understanding and representing local communities which they feel would be lost.
Expanding eligibility criteria for Cosy Homes in Lancashire through an additional £2 million of funding is supported, but the scale of funding across the whole county is not enough to make a significant impact.
In addition, a fully resourced Net Zero and Climate Change strategy for the whole of Lancashire is required that takes into account the excellent work and best practice that is taking place within and by districts, for example the Net Zero Streets programme in Rossendale that has the potential for national recognition and adoption.
The report goes on to state that certain sections lack detail, particularly regarding the support for East Lancashire, the impact of the Lancashire Infrastructure Plan, and how digital infrastructure equity will foster economic growth across all districts.
Councillor Barnes added: “We believe that the current proposals need to be more ambitious to fully realise Lancashire's potential. And we want to stress the importance of involving and planning comprehensively to ensure district councils are meaningfully represented and engaged in Lancashire's broader devolution strategy if the deal is to be a success.” The full report can be read here https://bit.ly/RBCLancsDev