Leading Blackpool politicians say Lancashire mayor role would be good for Fylde coast
“If we had a Lancashire Mayor more of your money would stay here.”
Leading political figures in Blackpool have welcomed the prospect of a mayor for Lancashire after it was included as part of the Government’s considerations in the latest budget announcement.
In papers published as part of the Chancellor John Healey’s budget on Wednesday, the county was listed as one of 10 areas with which the government is “in the final stages of agreeing…mayoral strategic authorities”.
It is the first time Lancashire has been placed in that advanced category and if those negotiations come to a successful conclusion, an election to select a mayor will be staged in May 2028.
The development has been welcomed by Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP, Lorraine Beavers, and also by the Leader of Blackpool Council, Cllr Lynn Williams.
The two Labour politicians believe the role would mean a significant boost for the Fylde coast.
WHAT THEY SAY
Cllr Williams said: “Having a mayor for Lancashire is something we should be ambitious about. We have so much potential here in Blackpool and across our county, we need the powers and investment to make the most of it.
“Setting up the Lancashire Combined County Authority was the right thing to do. It took a lot of work to get us to this point, but without that groundwork we simply wouldn’t be in the position we are in today.
“This is the next important step in giving Lancashire a stronger voice and the ability to attract the investment our communities need.
“We have seen what mayors have achieved in other parts of the country, bringing in millions, and in some cases billions, of pounds to improve transport, build homes, support businesses and create opportunities for young people.
“This is also really important for our businesses, giving them the confidence to invest and grow, helping us attract new employers and creating more good jobs for local people.
“A mayor would give us the opportunity to be more ambitious for our county and for places like Blackpool, and to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Lorraine Beavers, who said: “Whatever you think of the budget, I hope we can agree that we should have more control over how our money is spent locally and the budget gives us that opportunity.
“If we had a Lancashire Mayor more of your money would stay here and we’d have more control over how it’s spent. Money would still come to Westminster for national priorities but having a Mayor would mean 20% of business rates would stay in Lancashire, increasing to 100% by the end of 2030 through the creation of Business Rate Retention Zones.
“A portion of income tax would stay within Lancashire, beginning 2028 and it would give us the power to decide how Overnight Levies should be applied to benefit our local economy.
“It would mean up to £1 billion investment – £35 million/year for 30 years core funding from central government, as well as access to the Good Growth Fund of £285 million from 2027/2028.”
The MP said it would also create the freedom to combine multiple funding sources into a single Local Investment Plan designed by Lancashire for Lancashire.
She added:”This is a real opportunity to devolve powers to Lancashire so that we can tailor our approach to suit the challenges we face and maximise on the fantastic opportunities and talent we have here.
Plus, we don’t even have to wait until after a Mayoral election to unlock funding, this might happen in 2028 but some stream and initial funding will be available beginning in 2027 if Lancashire County Council agree.
“I believe the budget is a good start but that having a Mayor would really help build on that.”