[3][4][5] A devolution deal was signed in November 2023 but did not come into effect until the public consultation was concluded.

[6] The deal proposes to devolve certain powers, i.e. housing, transport, education and skills as well as environmental matters to LCCA.

The deal leaves room for Lancashire to progress to level 2 or 3 devolutions which on top of increasing the depth and breadth of the powers devolved, would also create the position of an elected mayor.

[6] Proposals for a non-mayoral combined county authority for Lancashire were approved by the new Labour Government on 19 September 2024.

[7][8][9][10] Draft statutory instruments to establish the combined authority were laid before parliament on 26 November 2024 [11] and the first meeting of the shadow authority took place at Preston County Hall the following day.