Policy paper

Lancashire devolution deal

Published 22 November 2023

Applies to England

Subject to ratification of the deal by all partners and the statutory requirements referred to within this document, including the consent of all councils affected and parliamentary approval of the secondary legislation implementing the provisions of this Deal.

Signatures

Jacob Young MP

Minister for Levelling Up

Cllr Phillippa Williamson

Leader of Lancashire County Council

Cllr Phil Riley

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cllr Lynn Williams

Leader of Blackpool Council

Introduction

1. Lancashire is a diverse county with a rich history and culture. The emblem of the historic county of Lancashire is the Red Rose of the English royal House of Lancaster.  The contrasting geography of the area, along with the creativity and friendliness of its people, combines to make Lancashire a great place to live, learn and work. Lancashire has a long tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship which has gone on to change the world. Today, over 250 years since Richard Arkwright’s cotton spinning technology helped to reshape the global economy, the county is again on the cusp of another transformative chapter in its industrial and commercial history.

2. With a population of 1.5 million residents and a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £35 billion, Lancashire offers enormous potential. It has over 55,000 businesses providing over 637,000 jobs. It is a coherent economic area and has a range of significant future looking sectors with potential for growth, including advanced manufacturing and engineering (one of the world’s largest aerospace clusters), cyber, digital and low carbon, as well as traditional strengths in areas such as tourism and food production. Given its size, scale and importance, a thriving Lancashire remains one of the prerequisites to a successful economy in the North of England.

3. Lancashire is truly ‘polycentric’ with a strong network of urban centres set within an area of outstanding natural beauty. Home to the cities of Preston and Lancaster and the larger towns of Blackpool and Blackburn, the area brings together a range of nationally significant businesses and assets including BAE Systems, Springfields Nuclear Fuels, combined with a highly capable engineering and manufacturing supply chain. It contains four world class universities and eleven Further Education colleges which provide excellence in research, skills development and business support. The area has a rich quality of place offer that complements the more urban offers of Manchester and Liverpool with its population living within easy access of countryside and coast.

4. But Lancashire also face challenges which impact on productivity and employment levels and the ability to grow. The historic structure of Lancashire’s economy has a range of sectors which are gradually losing jobs. Economic shocks can hit harder and take longer to bounce-back from than in neighbouring economies. There are clear and profound disparities in skill levels, health, economic productivity measures and resident prosperity across the county which, in turn impact more widely on people’s life chances. 2021 data (latest) on Gross Disposable Household Income shows considerable variation across Lancashire, with around £10,000 difference between the households in Lancashire with the lowest disposable household income (Blackburn with Darwen (£15,025) and the highest Ribble Valley (£24,734).^{[footnote 1]} Lancashire also has more than 220,000 economically inactive residents. Almost a quarter of all of Lancashire’s working age residents are economically inactive, partly due to long-term ill-health (33.2% of all inactive residents, compared to 26.5% nationally), and more than 50,000 of Lancashire’s inactive residents would like to get into employment (23.6% compared to 18.0% nationally).^{[footnote 2]}

5. Greater local powers are needed to level up, to tackle the challenges facing the Lancashire area, to harness its huge economic opportunity for the benefit of the people of the area and for the whole of the UK. In recognition of this, the government has already invested £225 million through the Levelling Up Fund. Local authorities across the Lancashire area have also been allocated a three-year total of over £60 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund (including Multiply programme funding).

6. The government has set itself a mission that, by 2030, every part of England that wants a devolution deal will have a devolution deal with powers at, or approaching, the highest level of devolution, with a simplified, long-term funding settlement. The 2022 Levelling Up White Paper makes clear the case for devolution as the engine room of improved productivity and reduced regional disparities. Devolution will be critical to delivering our twelve headline levelling up missions by strengthening local leadership to act more flexibly and innovatively to respond to local need, whether on transport, skills or regeneration.

7. In the Levelling Up White Paper, the government published for the first time a devolution framework, which set out a clear menu of options for places in England that wish to unlock the benefits of devolution. This framework places a strong emphasis on the importance of high profile, directly elected local leadership, strong local governance, and joint working across sensible and coherent economic geographies. The most comprehensive package is a Level 3 deal, for areas with a single institution over a sensible geography, with the strongest and most accountable leadership, such as a mayoral combined authority (MCA) or a mayoral combined county authority (MCCA) covering a functional economic area or the whole county geography with a directly elected mayor. The Level 2 offer is for devolution to single local government institutions without a directly elected mayor, such as a combined authority or combined county authority covering a functional economic area or the whole county geography. The Level 1 offer is for local authorities with looser joint working arrangements, such as a joint committee model.

8. This document sets out the terms of an agreement for a Level 2 devolution deal between the Government and Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council (“Lancashire”), subject to ratification of the deal by the councils and the statutory requirements for making the secondary legislation implementing the deal. The statutory requirements include public consultation on a proposal, ministerial decision that the proposal meets the statutory tests, the councils consenting to the secondary legislation implementing aspects of the deal, and Parliament approving it. Once this legislation is approved and made, the devolution deal will be confirmed. This document describes both the offer of functions and funding from the government, and the reforms and measures that Lancashire will need to deliver.

9. The local authorities of Lancashire and government have agreed a historic Level 2 devolution deal which will provide powers and funding to enable Lancashire to unleash its economic potential and in doing so level up, raise living standards for its communities and make a greater contribution to the UK economy. The Lancashire devolution deal shows how levelling up can be done in practice – with clear alignment to the twelve headline Levelling Up missions.

10. Government recognises that devolution is a journey, not a one-off event. This agreement is the first step in a process of further devolution. As institutions mature, they can gain greater responsibility, and Lancashire will be able to deepen their devolution arrangements over time, subject to government agreement. The government will also continue to work with Lancashire on important areas of public service reform and infrastructure investment, to support inclusive economic growth in towns, cities and rural areas whilst tackling climate change, on our journey to 2030.

Summary

Summary of the devolution deal between the government and the local authorities of Lancashire, comprising of Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

The government and the constituent councils are minded to agree a devolution deal which will provide Lancashire with new powers and funding to increase opportunities and living standards through inclusive growth and productivity improvements.

A devolution agreement is contingent upon the constituent councils proceeding through the steps necessary to meet the governance criteria required for a Level 2 devolution deal.

The devolution agreement includes:

• The formation of the Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA) to provide overall vision and leadership, seek the best value for taxpayers’ money, and be accountable to local residents.

• The integration of relevant functions of the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership into the Lancashire CCA, ensuring that there continues to be a strong and independent local business voice in the form of a Lancashire Business Board which informs local decision making and strategic economic planning. In absorbing the role and functions of the Growth Lancashire Company, LEP Growth & Skills & Employment Hub, LEP Investment Team, destination management/visitor economy, the Lancashire CCA will deliver a number of functions on behalf of the central government departments.

• new powers to better shape local skills provisions to ensure these meet the needs of the local economy. This will include devolution of Adult Education functions and the core Adult Education Budget, and the opportunity to provide input into Local Skills Improvement Plans.

• new powers to improve and better integrate local transport, including the ability to introduce bus franchising subject to approval from the Secretary of State for transport, and control of appropriate local transport functions e.g. responsibility for an area-wide local transport plan.

• subject to funding, policy and delivery considerations at the next Spending Review, UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) planning and delivery at a strategic level from 2025/26.

• the ability to exercise compulsory purchase powers to help drive the regeneration of the area and to build more affordable homes, subject to the agreement of the Local Authority where the relevant land is located.

• up to £20 million capital funding in the current Spending Review period to support innovation led growth (including assets to maximise the benefits of National Cyber Force HQ) and net zero ambitions across Lancashire.  This investment is subject to agreement of the relevant business cases

• strengthening the local visitor economy, reinforcing Lancashire’s attractive and vibrant cultural and creative sector through the formation of a wider Lancashire visitor offer encompassing Blackpool, which remains the UK’s No1 seaside resort, and nationally significant investments such as Eden North, with facilities and events of regional and national significance, aligned to the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)

• deliver innovation-led growth, including working with government to capitalise on Lancashire economic potential in growing the energy and low carbon sector

• improve urban quality and help address poor health.

More detail on these commitments is given in the main body of the document below.

Once the CCA has been established, further devolved functions and consolidated funding may be agreed over time and included in future legislation. This will be subject to the area’s status as a Level 2 devolved area.

Governance

11. Local authorities in Lancashire have a long history of working together to deliver efficient, effective and transformational services for the people of Lancashire. This approach was recently formalised into a ground-breaking “Lancashire 2050” strategic framework document, setting out the agreed aims of the 15 local authorities in 8 key priority areas. Lancashire 2050 provides a basis for enhanced and increased joint working using existing powers and resources. The framework sets the context for a devolution deal between the three upper tier local authorities and the government to provide further opportunities for partnership working in Lancashire to deliver the Levelling Up agenda.

12. In order to ensure clarity and unity around devolution to achieve this next step, the constituent councils (working closely with district colleagues) have agreed the following principles to be applied to this devolution deal:

• Lancashire can deliver effective local leadership through a combined county authority
• the governance arrangements will be designed to deliver the best deal for the people of Lancashire within the provisions of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA) and any regulations made under it by the Secretary of State
• upper tier councils will be constituent members. district councils will be represented by non-constituent members on the decision-making body
• decisions taken by the combined county authority will follow the principles of open and transparent decision making adopted by local government
• the combined county authority and the devolution deal will not affect the sovereignty of member councils in terms of existing services and investment decisions. Voting structures will be aligned to risks carried

Governance arrangements

13. As set out in the Levelling Up White Paper, the government will devolve functions from central government under a level 2 devolution deal to Lancashire CCA, which will allow strengthened local decision-making powers to benefit the residents of Lancashire.

14. The Lancashire CCA will comprise of the following members:

• 4 elected members, consisting of a lead member for each constituent council and 1 further member appointed by Lancashire County Council
• 2 non-constituent members, who will be nominated by the district and borough councils to represent the interests of district and borough councils on the CCA
• Up to 2 associate or non-constituent members, to be appointed by the CCA

15. Proposals for decisions by the CCA may be put forward by any constituent member. All constituent members will have one vote. Constituent members will work towards the principle of unanimity of all key decisions. Other questions that are to be decided by the CCA are to be decided by a simple majority of the members present and voting, unless otherwise provided for in legislation. Decisions requiring unanimity amongst the constituent members will include:

• approval of the CCA’s budget, including significant financial decisions
• approval of the policy framework, which will include:
  • corporate strategy
  • economic growth strategy
  • skills and employment strategy
  • the Local Transport Plan, Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)
  • appointment of the Chief Executive
  • approval of and significant amends to the Constitution

16. The following decisions will require the consent of the lead member of the relevant constituent council, or substitute members acting in their place, in whose area the decision will apply:

• compulsory purchase of land or buildings by the CCA
• the exercise of compulsory purchase power will also require the consent of the relevant planning authority
• any decision by the CCA that could lead to a financial liability falling directly upon that constituent council, or Blackpool Transport Services Ltd
• such other matters as may be contained within the CCA constitution.

17. The constituent councils recognise the importance of local consensus in relation to matters that could impact companies wholly owned by those councils, and they have resolved to require Blackpool Council’s consent for any decision which may have a significant, material and direct impact on Blackpool Transport Services Ltd.

18. As part of this deal, the constituent councils intend to adopt the combined county authority (CCA) model which is provided for in the LURA.

19. A key advantage of the CCA model is its capacity to provide for joint governance arrangements between upper tier local authorities around key growth levers such as transport, skills, economic development and regeneration, which creates a shared structure through which strategic prioritisation can be taken forward across an area and integrated policy goals better pursued. A CCA also offers additional accountability and improved line of sight for government around local delivery and commissioning.

20. In bringing forward the Lancashire CCA, government and the constituent councils are aware that the CCA institutional model as set out through the LURA only provides opportunities for upper tier authorities to be formal voting members.

21. The CCA will have the ability to appoint non-constituent and associate members should it wish. The maximum number of non-constituent or associate members is not to exceed the number of constituent members. It will be up to the CCA to set out further constitutional arrangements, including delegation to committees to support its operation, which may include members from district councils who are not members of the authority itself. It will also be for the CCA to decide on the nominating bodies for non-constituent members.

22. Lancashire is to be given powers in relation to:

• economic development and regeneration functions
• adult education and skills functions
• transport functions
• compulsory purchase powers (subject to the consent of the local planning authority affected by the exercise of the function)

23. For the Overview and Scrutiny Committee(s) and Audit Committee, at least one member will be nominated from each constituent council for each committee. In addition, there will be non-constituent council representatives on each Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit Committee. The chair and vice chair of each Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be appointed by the CCA. The chair shall not be a member of a registered political party which has the largest number of members on the CCA. Further detail on the approach to nomination of those representatives will be developed in consultation with the district and borough councils in the area and included in the proposal to be consulted on. The Audit Committee must also include at least one independent person.

24. As a local government institution with devolved powers, the CCA will be subject to the English Devolution Accountability Framework (‘the Framework’). The Framework applies to all English institutions with devolved powers. In line with the Framework, the government, Lancashire and other areas with devolution deals will work together to put in place mechanisms to ensure that local leaders and institutions are transparent and accountable, work closely with local businesses, seek the best value for taxpayers’ money, and maintain strong ethical standards.

25. Lancashire should also have regard for the government’s Scrutiny Protocol, which develops the standards and best practice to make sure that scrutiny committees in areas with devolution deals can meet this unique challenge. This is to empower local residents and provide them with the confidence that devolution is leading to improvements in their area.

26. The proposals in this devolution deal are subject to ratification by each constituent council. This will include: the development of a proposal; a public consultation on that proposal with local residents and stakeholders; and the submission of proposal and the outcomes of the consultation to the government. Implementation of the deal is subject to the Secretary of State being satisfied that the required statutory tests have been met, the consent of each constituent council and parliamentary approval of the required implementing secondary legislation. As institutions mature, they can gain greater responsibility, and Lancashire will be able to deepen their devolution arrangements over time, subject to government agreement and appropriate accountability arrangements.

27. The CCA institutional model includes upper tier authorities only. Both the government and the Lancashire constituent members place high importance on the CCA working collaboratively with the 12 district councils across Lancashire (“the district councils”) and ensuring that they have a voice in the CCA. They are:

• Burnley Borough Council
• Chorley Council
• Fylde Borough Council
• Hyndburn Borough Council
• Lancaster City Council
• Pendle Borough Council
• Preston City Council
• Ribble Valley Borough Council
• Rossendale Borough Council
• South Ribble Borough Council
• West Lancashire Borough Council
• Wyre Borough Council.

28. The Lancashire constituent members will work with the district councils in the area to develop the detail of the arrangements for appropriate district council input to the CCA; this will be for inclusion in the detailed proposal which will be subject to public consultation across the area, prior to formal submission to the Secretary of State. These arrangements will include, for example, a mechanism for appointment of representative non-constituent members from the district and borough councils to the CCA and representatives of the district councils on the CCA’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit Committee. These arrangements are for local choice and will not be expected to be specified in any implementing secondary legislation.

29. Certain decisions of the CCA will have consent requirements attached to them in which district and borough councils’ consent will be required as a condition of the decision, including the exercise of compulsory purchase powers, as set out at paragraphs 15 and 65. Furthermore, in accordance with the LURA, the CCA has the right to grant voting rights to the non-constituent members. The responsibility for agreeing any such rights rests with the constituent members of the CCA and would be set out in the CCA’s constitution.

Role of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

30. The Levelling Up White Paper announced the Government’s intention to support the integration of Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) functions and roles into local democratic institutions. On 4 August 2023 government confirmed its previous ‘minded to’ decision to withdraw central government support (core funding) for LEPs from April 2024 and transfer their functions to local and combined authorities. This deal confirms the integration of LEP functions into the Lancashire combined county authority, subject to government endorsement of an integration plan and the agreement of the Lancashire combined county authority.

31. The Lancashire Combined County Authority will be supported to take on relevant functions and roles of the Lancashire LEP in line with published guidance and with any agreed interim arrangements. In doing so, all parties will work together to ensure the independence of the local business voice is maintained, with the business voice to be represented within the combined county authority, and with advisory boards representative of the geographies and composition of their local communities. The Lancashire Combined County Authority will ensure that any business advisory board or equivalent structure is meaningfully involved in local decision making, maintaining a culture of constructive challenge and scrutiny with the combined county authority framework.

32. Government funding for integrating LEP functions will be subject to future spending decisions by individual departments and business planning.

Finance and investment

33. The constituent councils will create a fully devolved funding programme covering all budgets for devolved functions accountable to the Lancashire CCA.

34. The Lancashire CCA will have the flexibility to secure private and public sector leverage as appropriate. As per local government guidance, the Lancashire CCA will also be able to use capital receipts from asset sales as revenue funding for public service transformational initiatives.

35. The costs of establishing the CCA will be met from the overall resources of the CCA. To support the Lancashire CCA in its early stages of this deal, the government will provide £250,000 of capacity funding in 2024/25, £500,000 in 2025/26 and £250,000 in 2026/27. This will be provided on the basis that the establishing legislation has been made and an assurance framework confirmed with the government. Any future capacity funding will be subject to Spending Review, in line with arrangements for other devolution deals.

36. The government will provide the Lancashire CCA with up to £20 million capital funding in the current Spending Review period to support innovation led growth (including assets to maximise the benefits of National Cyber Force HQ) and net zero ambitions across Lancashire. This investment is subject to agreement of the relevant business cases.

37. Subject to funding, policy and delivery considerations at the next Spending Review, the Levelling Up White Paper sets out the government’s expectation that delivery responsibility for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be aligned with devolution deal responsibilities. This would mean that Lancashire CCA could have such responsibilities from 2025/26. In carrying out this role, Lancashire CCA and the constituent councils will work closely with the Lancashire District Leaders Forum in an advisory capacity. Delivery of these functions will build on existing district-led delivery arrangements for UKSPF and align with the Lancashire 2050 strategy, as agreed by all local authorities in Lancashire, to ensure that the needs of residents can be effectively addressed.

38. The government understands that Lancashire currently has, and will in the future have, interest in applying for funding and other opportunities made available. This includes but is not limited to the Levelling Up Fund. This deal does not preclude participation in these processes where the Lancashire CCA meets the relevant criteria.

UK Infrastructure Bank

39. The UK Infrastructure Bank (“the Bank”) will increase infrastructure investment across the UK by partnering with the private sector and local government to help tackle climate change and support regional and local economic growth. The Bank can offer advice and support to local actors, including the Lancashire CCA, to help deliver on their objectives, including driving investment into net zero infrastructure and innovative local projects. It can also act as a convenor, bringing together local actors for collaborative projects, and where appropriate identifying where projects can be aggregated to achieve greater impacts.

Skills and education

Adult education

40. Lancashire is an area of low and slowly growing productivity relative to the national average, trailing the national average by almost 16%. Productivity in Lancashire grew by less than 5% between 2004 and 2020, whilst in the UK it grew by more than 13% and more than 11.4% in the North West.^{[footnote 3]} Lancashire’s productivity is being hampered by both investment spending and by the labour market. Lancashire’s growth in investment is almost two thirds lower than the national rate of growth.^{[footnote 4]}

41. In Lancashire’s labour market, the estimated employment rate (72.7%) is below the national rate (75.4%) and has contracted by 3.9% points and almost 30,000 people since the pandemic. This is based on the latest survey data covering April 2022 to March 2023.^{[footnote 5]} Lancashire’s labour force is also characterised by a lower proportion of residents with higher level qualifications. Though a higher proportion of Lancashire residents are qualified to Level 3 (18.2% vs 16.9% in England, Census 2021), Lancashire trails at Level 4 or above qualifications (29.5%) compared to the national average (33.9% in England).^{[footnote 6]}This demonstrates a lower proportion of people with higher level and graduate level qualifications, a problem which is compounded by Lancashire’s below average graduate retention, which is the second lowest in the NP11.

42. The government will fully devolve the Adult Education Budget (AEB) to the Lancashire CCA from academic year 2026/27 subject to readiness conditions and Parliamentary approval of the required secondary legislation conferring the appropriate functions. Funding for Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ) will also be devolved and will be ring-fenced.

43. Prior to full devolution taking place, the government will work with Lancashire CCA to support their preparations for taking on the relevant functions and will make implementation funding available for Lancashire, subject to the availability of appropriate central funding including in the next Spending Review.

44. Upon devolution, the Lancashire CCA will be responsible for making allocation to providers and the outcomes to be achieved, consistent with statutory entitlements. The government will not seek to second guess these decisions, but it will set proportionate requirements about outcome information to be collected in order to allow students to make informed choices.

45. The government will inform Lancashire on which basis the existing methodology operates to calculate the size of the grant to be paid to the CCA for the purpose of exercising the devolved adult education functions.

46. The government will discuss with Lancashire CCA, and other areas with, or which are planning to secure, devolved adult education functions, any proposed changes to its methodology for calculating devolved areas’ grants. Any discussions will be undertaken in a timely manner and before decisions are made.

47. In order to proceed with devolution, the government needs to be assured of the following readiness conditions:

a. The Secretary of State for Education and appropriate accounting officer are assured that Lancashire CCA is operationally ready to administer the adult education budget and is satisfied the required statutory tests have been met.

b. Parliament has legislated to enable transfer to Lancashire CCA of the current statutory duties on the Secretary of State to secure appropriate facilities for further education for adults from this budget and for provision to be free in certain circumstances.

c. Agreement to a memorandum of understanding between the Department for Education and Lancashire CCA that provides appropriate assurance that the named parties will work together to ensure the future financial stability of the provider base, including for sharing financial risk and managing provider failure. 4. Learner protection arrangements are agreed between parties.

48. The Department for Education will continue to work with Lancashire to commission a local programme of Skills Bootcamps, to be informed by future spending agreements.

Skills

49. Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) will set out the current and future skills needs of the area and how local provision needs to change to help people develop the skills they need to get good jobs and increase their prospects. LSIPs will build a stronger and more dynamic partnership between employers and further education providers and allow provision to be more responsive to the skills needs of employers in local labour markets.

50. Working with the designated Employer Representative Body, and utilising and sharing the local labour market intelligence and analysis developed, Lancashire CCA will support and provide refinement of the LSIP for the area. Government will consider the LSIP boundaries in 2025 at the end of the funding period, with the aim of maximising alignment across boundaries where possible.

51. Lancashire will be considered alongside other areas with a Level 2 devolution deal at future Spending Reviews with regard to the devolution of skills funding.

52. The Department for Education will work with the Lancashire CCA to undertake an Early Connect pilot to test raising the visibility of apprenticeships through the UCAS system with college and sixth form leavers, and to raise the visibility of employer vacancies. The Department will also continue to engage with Lancashire to consider ways in which apprenticeship opportunities in the area can be developed further.

53. Lancashire will work in partnership with the National Cyber Force (a Defence and intelligence partnership), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), GCHQ, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and DSIT to grow the digital, cyber and wider talent pipeline in Lancashire. These organisations, working with the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub and other partners, will support the development of outreach and engagement programmes in Lancashire to inspire and engage Lancashire residents in roles in cyber, and to meet Levelling Up aspirations.

Employment

54. Lancashire CCA and the government recognise the crucial link between local skills, education, health and workforce development activity in the region and the work of the Department of Work and Pensions.

55. The Department for Work and Pensions, through regional Jobcentre Plus and Partnership teams, and the Lancashire CCA will work together on shared strategic employment priorities through a place-based approach.

56. Lancashire CCA will work in partnership with local and regional work and health stakeholders, including all local authorities in the region with responsibility for UKSPF until 2025, as well as Department for Work and Pensions and other parts of UK Government to ensure effective and coordinated strategic planning and delivery of local employment, health and skills provision, that meet local needs and complement national employment provision.

Careers education and advice

57. The government recognises the significant unique opportunities that are developing across Lancashire and that, to ensure maximum benefit of the AEB allocation and the area’s economic growth, a more place-based and industry led approach to careers education is developed for both adults and young people. Ensuring access to high quality careers, advice and guidance is a crucial element of the government’s long-term ambitions around social mobility, raising aspiration and ensuring we are able to secure the future workforce our economy needs.

58. In support of this objective, Lancashire LEP and local authority partners have worked closely on the development of the Lancashire Career Hub. With the folding in of relevant LEP functions as announced in August 2023, the government and partners within the Lancashire CCA wish to ensure that there remains a shared focus on careers education and advice for young people. This is particularly crucial given the specific challenges faced in Lancashire, including higher than average NEET rates in Lancashire County (bottom third of local authorities nationally) and Blackpool (bottom tenth) and Lancashire businesses commonly citing that employability skills are the most important attribute that they look for in job applicants (LSIP reported 83% of those employers surveyed). The Department for Education will therefore seek to work with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Lancashire and other relevant partners to support the continuity of activity within the Careers Hub.

59. To ensure a more place-based and joined-up approach to careers education locally, the Government supports Lancashire CCA to work with local stakeholders to align careers provision with devolved AEB activities.

Housing and land

60. The government and partners within Lancashire recognise the need to deliver decent and affordable housing that will benefit existing residents, as well as attract and retain the people required to drive the economy over the longer term. Constituent councils have identified several priorities including improving and increasing the availability of good quality housing on both new sites and through existing stock, more effectively linking housing regeneration to economic and transport plans, securing urban renewal by demolishing and replacing housing stock in some areas and improving the attractiveness of the built environment for communities.

61. As local authorities, the constituent councils already have access to a broad range of powers and tools allowing them to collectively work together to acquire land, develop new homes and act more generally to improve local housing conditions.

62. The government and the constituent councils believe that devolution at Level 2 now offers an opportunity to better align this work within the Lancashire area, seeking to accelerate housing delivery as well as promote wider measures that enhance availability and affordability locally. The government and the constituent councils will therefore seek to work together to explore further opportunities to improve housing delivery across the next period through the CCA.

Working with Homes England

63. Lancashire’s authorities and Homes England are committed, with the support of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to working collaboratively on this basis – combining their skills and capacity to reduce the barriers to affordable housing delivery, regeneration and wider housing growth through the development of a shared development pipeline for the region.

64. Homes England and DLUHC will explore the potential for investing in the delivery of this pipeline – in support of Lancashire CCA’s wider strategic ambitions for enhancing the affordability and accessibility of housing locally – through current and future funding streams, including the Affordable Homes Programme and Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund. Through taking a co-design approach with Homes England, Lancashire CCA will seek to enhance the impact of any funding allocated within the area over the next five years.

65. As part of this approach, partners within Lancashire will seek to further align their own resources and capacity alongside the work of the Combined County Authority, working closely with Government to maximise the impact of joint programmes such as the One Public Estate through the use of their land and wider capital assets.

Compulsory purchase powers

66. The Lancashire CCA will also have access to additional land assembly and compulsory purchase powers, subject to the agreement of the Lancashire local authority constituent member where the relevant land is located, the relevant local planning authority (where that isn’t the constituent member), and to the consent of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

67. Housing quality is a major issue in many parts of Lancashire, where substandard conditions drive poor socioeconomic outcomes, especially in areas characterised by large concentrations of failed private rented stock. DLUHC can facilitate access to relevant best practice resulting from the delivery of several programmes. This includes the Supported Housing Improvement Programme (SHIP) which is delivering new approaches to enforcement against poor quality supported housing, which in Lancashire is already operating in Blackpool, Blackburn with Darwen, and in Lancaster City partnered with Preston, and the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Pathfinder Programme, which is trialling a range of new enforcement approaches in Blackpool, and other areas throughout the country. The revenue costs of any new enforcement action would be met by the local authorities themselves, except to the extent these are already being funded for existing participants of SHIP.

Transport

68. Lancashire lies within the nationally important north-south motorway and main rail line transport spine, providing excellent connectivity with other parts of the UK, and a comprehensive network of motorways and railways linking much of Lancashire with the major regional employment centres of Manchester and Liverpool, and the international gateways of Manchester Airport and the port of Liverpool.

69. Connectivity and the quality of Lancashire’s transport provision varies significantly between the strategic north-south and east-west transport corridors, impacting travel opportunities and choice locally across Pennine Lancashire, the Blackpool and the Fylde Coast and West Lancashire, and to regional destinations such as Leeds and Liverpool. Walking and cycling rates for Lancashire remain below the national average but continue to grow in popularity; and a longer-term decline in public transport use has been exacerbated over recent years by the pandemic. However, there are now signs of growth, with investment through the Bus Service Improvement Plans, and on the Fylde Coast the Blackpool tramway has experienced substantial growth and is undergoing further expansion. Ultra-low emission vehicles account for a significant and increasing proportion of new vehicles, and growth in Lancashire’s Electric Vehicle (EV) fleet will be facilitated by their EV infrastructure strategies and Local EV Infrastructure funding.

Network North

70. As set out in the recent Network North announcement:

• the Lancashire CCA will receive a proportion of the £2.5 billion announced as part of Network North to transform local transport in areas in the North outside of the big city regions
• the Lancashire CCA will receive a proportion of the £770 million of funding for Bus Service Improvement Plans in the North
• the Lancashire CCA will receive a proportion of the £3.3 billion funding to fix potholes in the North

Powers of the Local Transport Authority and Local Transport Plans

71. The Lancashire CCA will become the Local Transport Authority (LTA) for the new combined county authority area and take on all associated responsibilities and local public transport powers.

72. As part of becoming the LTA, responsibility for an area-wide Local Transport Plan (LTP) will be conferred on Lancashire CCA. Lancashire will develop a provisional area-wide LTP by March 2025 to be finalised by the Lancashire CCA once established. Spending Review is expected in 2024; in developing its case for local transport investment DfT will be engaging the local transport sector. As such, we will look to draw on any emerging evidence base and strategy Lancashire is able to make available by that time. Lancashire CCA will be expected to ensure its LTP aligns with best practice in transport planning including any revised LTP guidance, and to update their LTP as necessary.

73. Under the terms of this devolution deal, ownership and operation of Blackpool Transport Services Limited (BTS) and all associated assets, including the Bus and Tram fleet, will remain with BTS. BTS will remain as an arm’s length company owned by Blackpool Council.

Local and regional partnership working

74. The government recognises that local and regional level organisations are often best placed to make practical changes required to meet shared strategic objectives on local economic growth and decarbonisation, ensuring that local communities and businesses are engaged. Transport for the North Sub-national Transport Body (STB) will develop its Regional Centre of Excellence, which will offer bespoke capability and tools to support to all Local Authorities in the STB area. This provides the opportunity for Lancashire CCA to work with Transport for the North STB to establish if Lancashire CCA would benefit from capability support.

75. As set out in the National Electric Vehicle Strategy, the government recognises the aspirations of Lancashire CCA to improve public electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which would increase the uptake of electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions by supporting all motorists in making the switch. Lancashire CCA can also access support from their Sub-National Transport Body, Transport for the North, which has received Government funding to develop a regional Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) strategy. This EVCI strategy will provide a robust plan of charging needs in Lancashire and can be used to underpin any public sector funding proposals, including applications for the LEVI Capital Fund. It will also help local authorities in Lancashire CCA to develop their own strategies to scale up the rollout of public chargepoints in their areas. The constituent councils within Lancashire have also received £13.4 million in capital funding from government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund and a further £1.4 million revenue funding to increase their capability to plan and deliver public, on-street EV infrastructure. Through the LEVI fund, Lancashire CCA will be able to utilise the LEVI support body for further assistance and upskilling of EV officers.

Local Highways Networks

76. Unless otherwise agreed locally, all operational responsibility for highways will remain with the constituent councils. However, where practical we would expect the Lancashire CCA to work towards streamlining contractual and delivery arrangements across the region. The Lancashire CCA should consider how highways across the region are managed, which may include developing a single strategic assessment plan for local highways in the area, in partnership with constituent councils.

77. Lancashire CCA will be able to enter into agreements with government, other local authorities and National Highways, including to determine shared priorities for its strategic route network roads.

78. Lancashire CCA may by exception also take on some highways powers to coordinate or deliver highways functions for the full Lancashire area to be exercised concurrently with the relevant highway authorities. Any such powers are to be agreed separately with government and set out in the proposal/required scheme and consultation, with local agreement on how concurrency will work in practice.

The Blackpool Tramway

79. Blackpool Tramway is a key local attraction and a vital part of Blackpool’s tourism offer. The tramway network operates locally, extending through Blackpool and into the surrounding area, connecting over 300,000 people. Patronage has tripled since the tramway’s modernisation in 2012, and it now carries around 5 million passengers annually. Notwithstanding its contribution to travel provision in the local area, its importance to the local visitor economy is paramount and as such it represents an integral asset in the town’s tourism and marketing activities.

80. Lancashire CCA will set the strategic direction for public transport services through the Local Transport Plan for the CCA area and hold the powers to support public transport services. Blackpool Transport Services Limited will continue to operate tram services in Blackpool and the surrounding area. Blackpool Council will retain the relevant powers to manage Blackpool Transport Services Limited. Maintenance of tram infrastructure and assets will continue to be the responsibility of Blackpool Council in partnership with Lancashire County Council.

Buses

81. As the Local Transport Authority (LTA), the Lancashire CCA will be responsible for:

• bus service improvement plans
• Enhanced Partnerships (EPs);
• subsidised bus services;
• concessionary fare schemes;

Lancashire CCA will, where practical, streamline engagement with bus operators and seek efficiencies in their future contractual and delivery arrangements across the combined county area.

82. Blackpool Transport Services Limited (BTS) provides vital bus services to Blackpool and the surrounding area. BTS will continue to deliver bus services locally.

Bus Enhanced Partnerships

83. BTS, along with other bus operators in the Lancashire CCA area, will work with Lancashire CCA as part of any EPs in the area. Lancashire CCA has responsibility for making the EP scheme(s), but at set points in the process it can only proceed with its proposals if it has the support of local bus operators. Bus operators will maintain responsibility for their operational arrangements under any EPs.

Bus Franchising

84. If Lancashire CCA concludes that bus franchising is likely to deliver better outcomes, the Government will consider conferring franchising powers under the Transport Act 2000 to Lancashire CCA where it demonstrates it has the capability and intention to deliver its chosen franchise model, and that franchising will deliver better services than its Enhanced Partnership without unnecessarily delaying benefits to passengers.

Bus service improvement plans (BSIPs)

85. The Lancashire CCA will work with constituent councils to deliver against the existing Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs). Lancashire CCA will work towards integrating the existing BSIPs in the area.

Active Travel

86. To ensure consistency in the quality and safety of schemes, Active Travel England (ATE) will provide support to ensure walking and cycling schemes are designed and delivered to high standards, including compliance with Local Transport Note 1/20 (LTN 1/20). Lancashire CCA will work with ATE to improve the design quality of all active travel schemes funded by Government and those that are locally funded. All cycling and walking schemes funded by government must be approved by ATE as complying with LTN 1/20.

Net Zero and climate change

87. As part of its Net Zero Strategy and Net Zero Growth Plan, the government recognises that devolved and local government can play an essential role in meeting national net zero ambitions. Local leaders in the Lancashire area and elsewhere are well placed to engage with all parts of their communities and to understand local policy, political, social, and economic nuances relevant to climate action. This is why the devolution framework grants places the opportunity to adopt innovative local proposals to deliver action on climate change and the UK’s net zero targets.

88. The Local Net Zero Forum, chaired by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is cross-government and brings together national and local senior officials. Through representative organisation on the forum – The Local Government Association (LGA), Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), Core Cities and the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT), Lancashire CCA will get the opportunity to discuss local net zero policy and delivery issues in the round.

Energy system

89. The government recognises the need to increase Lancashire’s electricity network capacity to meet future electricity demand. Government is committed to ensuring that devolved regional institutions such as combined authorities, including the Lancashire CCA, have a meaningful role in planning our future energy system for net zero, alongside other local areas as appropriate.

90. The government is considering the role of local energy plans, including their role in supporting strategic network investment, working closely with Ofgem as part of its ongoing governance review into local energy institutions and its proposals on regional energy system planning.

Heat networks

91. The Government has confirmed its intention to establish heat network zoning in England. Under the zoning proposals, Zoning Coordinators within local government will be able to designate areas as heat network zones where heat networks are going to be the most cost-effective way to decarbonise heating and hot water within the zone. Local authorities will have powers to require certain buildings to connect to heat networks within the zones. This will enable the Lancashire CCA to assume the role of heat network Zoning Coordinator for its locality and play a key role in the delivery of heat decarbonisation infrastructure. The government is committed to have heat network zoning in place by 2025.

92. The government will support the Lancashire CCA alongside other local authorities across England to take forward heat network zoning, including collaboration with the private sector on developing heat networks within zones and to help capitalise on unique local opportunities to utilise all available low carbon heat sources, including geothermal energy.

Buildings

93. The government commits to explore the potential benefits of and design options for a place-based approach to delivering retrofit measures, as part of the government’s commitment in the Net Zero Strategy to explore how we could simplify and consolidate funds which target net zero initiatives at the local level where this provides the best approach to tackling climate change.

94. This work will involve inviting the Lancashire CCA to work with the government through the relevant representative organisations to consider if such an approach could accelerate the meeting of net zero goals and provide better value for money.

Green jobs

95. Through the Green Jobs Delivery Group, the government is working to ensure that workers, business and local areas, including Lancashire, are supported through net zero transition. Lancashire CCA now has the opportunity to deliver green skills interventions at a local level through having a greater role in delivering the adult education budget and the UKSPF.

96. Lancashire’s Energy and Low Carbon sector is particularly important due to its existing ecosystem and capabilities in designing and manufacturing low carbon technologies. The area is forecast to have the highest number of jobs per capita in the Energy and Low Carbon sector in England between 2030 – 2050.^{[footnote 7]} Government will work with Lancashire to enable the continued growth of this sector by supporting the delivery of Lancashire’s Energy and Low Carbon sector plans.

Nature recovery

97. Lancashire County Council has been appointed by Defra SoS as the authority responsible for preparing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for the Lancashire Combined County Authority Area. LNRSs will agree priorities for nature’s recovery, map the most valuable existing habitat for nature, and map proposals for creating or improving habitat for nature and wider environmental goals. Defra has confirmed total planned funding of £388,000 for financial years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to cover the costs of strategy preparation, including the required stakeholder engagement. The government will work closely with responsible authorities to ensure they are supported in preparing their LNRS, including by making available Defra group expertise and data, and agrees to consider the role of Lancashire CCA in the LNRS process following establishment of the new body.

98. The government will ensure that over time locally identified environmental priorities are incorporated into environmental land management schemes where appropriate.

99. Government will work with Lancashire to ensure that local environment policies, including Lancashire’s LNRS and existing and potential protected landscapes, support the delivery of England’s new Environmental Improvement Plan.

100. Government will ensure the new environment land management schemes are implemented in line with local needs and priorities, including those of Lancashire which has identified the need for more coordinated specialist business support for the farming and wider rural community to foster rural business resilience; sustainable new market opportunities; and environmental gains.

Digital and cyber

101. Continued improvements to Lancashire’s digital infrastructure, digital and knowledge-based industries and an innovation base which can practically display how these capabilities can be deployed, are all vital to balancing and modernising Lancashire’s industrial base.

102. This is essential to fully realise the impact of new opportunities across Lancashire such as the decision of National Cyber Force to locate their national headquarters at Samlesbury, infrastructure projects in Blackpool built around exploiting the benefits of ultra-high-speed transatlantic data cable connecting New York, the United Kingdom and Northern Europe which comes ashore in Blackpool and major innovation projects in Blackburn and Preston that will enhance east-west innovation and connectivity..

103. Lancashire CCA will continue to work with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, to fully capture the investment, business, research and skills development benefits of these new developments, creating opportunities and new careers for local residents, developing markets and technologies of local businesses and making a reality of the North West Cyber Corridor concept.

104. The government is committed to supporting Lancashire’s digital connectivity ambitions, including through the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy which was published in April 2023 and sets out a strategic framework for the development, deployment and adoption of 5G and future networks. This includes working closely with places to encourage investment in advanced wireless connectivity and increase its adoption across the local economy and public services.

105. As set out in the National Cyber Strategy 2022, the Government is committed to strengthening the capability of local authorities such as Lancashire to buy and use connected places technology securely. In May 2021, the National Cyber Security Centre published the Connected Places Cyber Security Principles, a foundational step in supporting the cyber security of the UK’s connected places. Since then, the government has continued to develop its support of local authorities deploying and managing connected places technologies and in 2022 the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology published the alpha Secure Connected Places Playbook. The Playbook was designed in collaboration with local authorities and helps them to get their cyber security foundations right whilst setting a strong cyber security culture. Government hopes to continue to work with local authorities such as the Lancashire CCA to support the secure and sustainable adoption of connected places technologies. Bolstering the UK’s Cyber Ecosystems remains a high priority for the government.

106. Government recognises that high quality digital connectivity is crucial for future economic growth and productivity in the region. The private sector will continue to lead on the rollout of broadband and mobile infrastructure, with DSIT supporting delivery in less commercially viable areas. The government will engage with the Lancashire CCA on a regular basis on delivery plans in the region, particularly where they involve hard to reach rural areas. The government is committed to achieving nationwide coverage of gigabit capable broadband by 2030 and to ensuring that rural areas are not left behind including in Lancashire. Procurements covering Lancashire are scheduled to launch in 2024, and regular Project Gigabit programme updates will be provided demonstrating progress in delivering for communities across the area.

107. The National Cyber Force (NCF), a partnership between Defence and Intelligence, will establish its future home in Samlesbury, Lancashire, helping to stimulate technology, digital and defence sectors, as well as encouraging partnerships between government, industry and academia in the North West of England across the Cyber Ecosystem in line with Pillar One of the National Cyber Strategy.

108. The Lancashire area stands out for the quality of universities, further education colleges and schools alongside its appeal to existing staff, offering improvements in wellbeing and good growth opportunities. The region’s ethnic diversity will secure a workforce with the right mix of minds for the NCF to be a centre of excellence for offensive cyber, reflective of the nation it serves.

109. DSIT will engage with the National Cyber Force, Lancashire CCA, academia, local partners and stakeholders to bring together relevant parts of government, supporting the alignment of research and development priorities and identification of potential collaboration and future funding as Lancashire mobilises its plan to deliver economic and social transformation for the region, and in the process strengthen the UK’s international position as a leader in cyber security and a responsible and democratic cyber power.

Culture and tourism

Culture

110. Lancashire’s rich cultural and heritage offer has an important role in the area’s plans to attract and retain skilled workers, and in contributing to pride in place in the region. Tourism and the visitor economy are crucial industries for Lancashire, with the area amongst the UK’s most prolific visitor destinations every year. Blackpool, on the western coast of the county, is the nation’s No1 seaside resort, with some 20m visits per year, and represents a £1.5 billion visitor economy.

111. Lancashire and a subset of DCMS Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs), supported by DCMS, will hold a series of exploratory conversations to explore the region’s appetite and capacity for partnership working across (some or all of) culture, heritage, sport, communities and the visitor economy (as applicable). If there is agreement to undertake any partnership working, this would focus on the region’s particular priorities and potential opportunities for the ALBs to help the region achieve these where they align with ALBs’ own priorities for the region.

112. Insofar as appropriate this will lead to recommendations that the ALBs and/or place can act on if they wish to. This does not prejudice ALB decisions around national grant funding processes or their national priorities. ALBs will also seek to use any partnership to deliver their national priorities, which will remain paramount. The scale of each ALB’s involvement in any partnership will be dependent on the specific context and degree of alignment identified between individual priorities.

113. These exploratory conversations will take place over a six month period that will start at a time agreed on by the region and relevant ALBs. DCMS will be involved in discussions as appropriate.

Tourism

114. VisitEngland and the Lancashire CCA will work with the accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership for the region to help further develop the region’s visitor economy. This collaborative work, across those areas set out in the Government’s Tourism Recovery Plan, could include harnessing the region’s potential to grow domestic and international visitor spend, and encouraging visits throughout the year rather than just during the traditional tourist season.

Innovation, trade and investment 

115. The government is committed to supporting places to realise their entrepreneurial and innovation potential, underpinned by ambitious measures set out in the Levelling Up White Paper.

116. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will work closely with devolution deal areas, including Lancashire, to make it easier for businesses to access the information, advice and support they need, drawing on DBT’s global and sector offer.

117. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will work with Lancashire to explore opportunities for closer long-term collaboration in strengthening their local research and innovation capacity.

Public service reform

118. The government supports the Lancashire area in its ambition for public service reform, including a focus on creating safe, healthy, resilient communities. The government commits to working with the region and partners to explore initiatives to improve delivery of public services, such as how best to support residents with multiple complex needs. Where appropriate, and as part of its levelling up agenda, the government will also consider devolving further powers to the Lancashire CCA to support public service reform, in relation to the statutory duties held by its constituent councils.

119. Good quality data is essential for understanding local need and the place-specific issues affecting people in an area. As set out in the Levelling Up White Paper and the Government Statistical Service’s Subnational Data Strategy, the government is working to improve the dissemination of subnational statistics to empower local decision makers, including in Lancashire, to use data-led evidence to respond to local priorities.

120. The Lancashire CCA will work with the government to understand the existing barriers to data sharing and better use of data in their area, and explore where improvements to the quality of, or access to, data could support them in achieving Lancashire’s local ambitions. As part of this, the Spatial Data Unit (SDU) will work with the CCA to help support data capability, including in data science, and will engage with the CCA to further understand its needs and priorities.

121. The government is committed to relocating roles out of Greater London and closer to the policy issues they are addressing. Relocation will benefit communities across the UK, bringing more diversity of thought into policy making leading to better-informed policy, built on an understanding of the impacts across the UK and drawing on a more diverse range of experiences, skills and backgrounds. The government will continue to work with departments to consider the potential for any future relocations of government roles to Lancashire as part of the Levelling Up agenda.

Resilience and public safety

122. The Lancashire CCA, in partnership with government, will ensure that the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is invited to attend and participate in CCA meetings as an observer, or as a non-constituent, member. This will ensure close collaboration and productive joint working between the CCA and PCC.

123. The Lancashire CCA will work with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) to agree an appropriate arrangement to ensure close collaboration and productive joint working on public safety between the CCA and FRA.

124. The UK Government will work to significantly strengthen Local Resilience Forums by 2030, as described in the UK Government Resilience Framework. This will include considering a clear role for Lancashire CCA in local resilience and civil contingency planning, preparation and delivery.

125. This is subject to the conclusion and full consideration of the Stronger Local Resilience Forums (LRF) pilot programme in 2025/26, and Lancashire CCA having a strong working relationship with Lancashire LRF.

Lancashire’s Commitments Underpinning the Deal

126. The constituent councils will work with the government to develop a full implementation plan, covering each policy agreed in this deal, to be completed ahead of implementation. This plan must be approved by the government prior to delivery. Any issues of concern with the subsequent delivery of this deal will be escalated to ministers and leaders to resolve, in keeping with the letter and spirit of devolution.

127. As part of the implementation of the deal, the Lancashire CCA and government will agree a process to manage local financial risk relating to the deal provisions.

128. Prior to the implementation of the deal, government will work with the Lancashire CCA to give the public and stakeholders – including Parliament – a clear understanding of: the powers and funding that are being devolved to the CCA, where accountability sits as a result of this deal; and how decisions are made.

129. The Lancashire CCA and its members will continue to adhere to their public sector equality duties, for both existing and newly devolved responsibilities.

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1. Source: ONS, Regional Gross Disposable Household Income: Local Authorities by ITL1 Region. Table 3: GDHI local authority by ITL1 region: TLD North West: GDHI per head of population at current basic prices, pounds ↩

2. Source: ONS annual population survey. Economic Inactivity (Apr 2022 - Mar 2023) ↩

3. ONS: Table A5: Chained Volume (unsmoothed) GVA (B) per hour worked indices; ITL2 and ITL3 subregions, 2004 - 2020 ↩

4. Source: Experimental Regional Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) estimates by asset type, ONS, 2022. 1997-2020 (latest) ↩

5. ONS Annual Population Survey - Published on NOMIS; Jan 19 to Dec 19 data was used as the pre-pandemic comparator as this was the latest period available pre-pandemic. ↩

6. Census 2021, ONS. TS067 - Highest level of qualification ↩

7. Local Government Association (2021), Local green jobs – accelerating a sustainable economic recovery (PDF, 1,819 KB) ↩