Lancashire Projects Secure £20 Million Funding Under Devolution Plan

Various initiatives throughout Lancashire are poised to gain from a £20 million financial injection, integral to the county’s devolution strategy. The cabinet of Lancashire County Council confirmed on Thursday its acceptance of the initial tranche of government funds, pending the establishment of a new Combined County Authority (CCA). The Devolution Deal for Lancashire, formalized in November of the previous year, aims to finance projects that foster economic regeneration, growth, and net zero objectives. A portion of this investment, specifically £6 million, is designated for the construction of an “Innovation Hub” at the forthcoming £5 billion headquarters of the National Cyber Force, located in Samlesbury. Additionally, Blackburn Town Centre’s “innovation quarter” is slated to receive £6 million, intended to facilitate the expansion of the region’s digital, creative, and cyber industries through the provision of additional business premises. Within Blackpool, £2 million has been earmarked for the Silicon Sands Low Carbon Data Centre situated in the Enterprise Zone, alongside £4 million for new Department for Work and Pensions offices in the town center. The “Cosy Homes in Lancashire” initiative, a £41 million grant scheme for energy efficiency home upgrades across the entire county, will also be allocated £2 million. The council will additionally manage any subsequent funding prior to the CCA’s establishment next year, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Cllr Phil Riley, who leads Blackburn with Darwen Council, stated: “The initially agreed projects will start us on the journey of a new way of working with government for the benefit of the whole of Lancashire once the County Combined Authority is formally established. We are looking forward to seeing a new digital and creative business hub be created as a direct result of the devolution deal funding.” LCC leader Cllr Phillippa Williamson commented: “These schemes are a great illustration of the type of projects we want to support. The Innovation Hub located at Samlesbury Enterprise Zone, will be a new, exciting, space that allows Lancashire businesses, residents and key sectors to engage with National Cyber Force. This will open up new jobs, technologies and opportunities.”