Mayoral Authority Must Deliver for Lancashire Businesses
Over the past few months, we have spoken with many business leaders from across Lancashire about one of the biggest changes that could affect our county’ s future: the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority.
As a Chamber of Commerce, our role is not to support constitutional change for the sake of it. Our focus is, and always will be, on what delivers the best outcomes for the businesses we represent. That is why we have approached the discussion around a Mayoral Authority with an open mind and a clear set of priorities.
The reality is that Lancashire faces significant challenges. Productivity remains below national averages in many areas, employers continue to struggle with skills shortages, transport connectivity needs improvement, and there is fierce competition for investment from other parts of the country. Businesses want to see stronger economic growth, better infrastructure and a workforce equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
The argument in favour of a Mayoral Authority is that it could give Lancashire a stronger voice nationally and greater control over decisions that affect our local economy. Other areas with devolved powers have secured additional investment, greater influence over transport, housing and skills and a more direct relationship with government. It is understandable why many see this as an opportunity that Lancashire should not ignore.
However, structure alone will not solve our challenges.
Businesses rightly want to know what powers will be devolved, what funding will accompany those powers, how decisions will be made and most importantly, how any new arrangements will improve the environment in which they operate. They are far less interested in governance structures than they are in outcomes.
That is why our support has always been conditional on one simple principle: any new model of governance must deliver clear economic benefits for businesses and communities across Lancashire.
A Mayor must be a champion for growth. They must understand the needs of businesses of all sizes, from family-owned firms and high street traders to manufacturers, exporters and fast-growing technology companies. They must be able to bring together local authorities, education providers and employers around a shared vision for the future.
Babs Murphy
Chief Executive at North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
First Words
Equally important is ensuring that all parts of Lancashire benefit. Economic prosperity cannot be concentrated in a handful of locations while other communities are left behind. Growth must be inclusive and spread across the county, recognising the unique strengths and challenges of different areas.
The business community also expects meaningful engagement throughout this process. Decisions of this significance should not be made without listening to the employers who create jobs, invest locally and drive economic activity. Businesses must have a seat at the table, not simply be consulted after key decisions have been taken.
At the Chamber, we have been seeking the views of our members because we believe the voice of business should be central to shaping Lancashire’ s future. Their feedback will help inform our position and ensure that any recommendations we make are grounded in the real experiences of employers operating on the front line of the economy.
Ultimately, the question is not whether Lancashire should have a Mayor. The question is whether a Mayor can help create better conditions for businesses to grow, invest and succeed.
If a Mayoral Authority can deliver stronger local leadership, attract investment, improve infrastructure, address skills shortages and provide Lancashire with a more influential voice nationally, then it deserves serious consideration. But if it simply adds another layer of bureaucracy without delivering meaningful economic benefits, businesses will rightly ask what has been achieved.
As always, the Chamber’ s priority is clear. We will support what is best for Lancashire’ s businesses, its economy and its future prosperity. Any proposal for a Mayoral Authority should be judged against that test and that test alone. lancschamber. co. uk 3