Online Question and Answer session 24 March 

Key updates 

  1. Combined County Authority (CCA) 
    • The CCA is now operational and met formally for the first time earlier this month. 
    • Focus areas include economy, transport, and skills. 
    • The CCA endorsed the draft growth plan, which is currently out for consultation. 
  2. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) 
    • The government is seeking proposals for reorganising two-tier areas like Lancashire. 
    • A joint submission was made Friday 21 March, with further work required and feedback expected from the government. 
    • Clarification on the difference between devolution (transfer of powers and funding from national to local government) and LGR (organisation of services at a local level). 
  3. Election Period 
    • Pre-election period started 21 March, with guidance available on the intranet. 
    • Election will be held 1 May. 
  4. SEND Inspections 
    • An action plan has been authorised and submitted following national challenges. 
    • Awaiting results from a recent CQC visit. 
  5. Staff Engagement 
    • Second Q&A session as part of ongoing staff engagement. 
    • Recent long service event celebrated staff with over 40 years of service. 
    • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion survey launched, closing 11 April. 

Questions and answers 

  1. CCA Timeline and Staff Support 
    • Transition year for CCA, with current roles remaining within upper-tier local authorities. 
    • Recruitment for a Chief Operating Officer on a 12-month contract. 
  2. Devolution and Pay Scales 
    • Too early to determine changes in pay scales; consultation and engagement will follow once new organisations are established. 
  3. Unitary Authorities and shared services 
    • Too early to say how shared services like libraries will be organised. 
    • Commitment to keep staff updated throughout the process. 
  4. Impact on local identity and jobs 
    • LGR aims to create new organisations, not take over existing ones. 
    • Majority of staff will be needed to deliver services, with changes likely at senior levels. 
  5. Executive Director of Resources 
    • Plans to appoint an Executive Director of Resources, with recruitment starting soon. 
  6. Political impact on LGR 
    • No overall control following elections will lead to negotiations between political parties. 
  7. Financial savings and efficiencies 
    • Key savings in adults and children's services, income generation, and service redesign. 
    • Future focus on waste collection and recycling and holding the mirror up to improve efficiency. 
  8. Net zero priorities 
    • Net zero is a cross-cutting component in the growth plan. 
    • Ongoing plans for decarbonisation and better communication of achievements. 
  9. Impact of LGR on budget 
    • LGR funded by local authorities, with savings expected to cover upfront investment. 
  10. Likelihood of a Mayor for Lancashire 
    • No current proposal for a mayor, but deepening devolution may lead to this in the future. 

Printable question and answer summary document. (PDF, 57.1KB)