Lancashire leaders meet Gordon Brown to seal landmark agreement on joint priorities

Leaders and chief executives from county, unitary and district councils signed a landmark agreement at

10 Downing Street

which will see Pennine Lancashire councils unite in their efforts to transform the area with better transport links, job and education opportunities and housing.

 

The Pennine Lancashire Multi-Area Agreement contains joint priorities, highlighting key 'asks' for the area including a university, an improved Clitheroe-Manchester rail link, widening of the M65 and prioritisation for new UK jobs and investment in training.

 

It also asks the government to provide 'pooled' funding in a way that will allow the Pennine councils to cooperate to decide spending priorities for the area regardless of individual council boundaries.

 

Pennine Lancashire is made up of:

 

Lancashire County Council
Blackburn with Darwen
Burnley
Hyndburn
Pendle
Ribble Valley
Rossendale

 

The agreement will see Pennine Lancashire councils build on existing partnerships and cooperate closely to lobby government.

 

County Councillor Hazel Harding, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "The multi-area agreement sends the message that the councils in Pennine Lancashire are determined and united in our aim to improve people's lives and make the case for more investment.

 

"Many of the decisions which could make a real difference, for example whether to fund projects such as a direct rail link to Manchester or make the area a priority for new investment in jobs and training, are made at a regional or national level.

 

"Issues such as unemployment, poor housing and low educational achievement can't be dealt with alone. Each of these problems contributes to the other and they need to be tackled with a joint approach."

 

Councillor Colin Rigby, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "This is an historic moment, signalling a firm commitment by all Pennine Lancashire Councils to work together to transform the area. We recognise that no one council can succeed by itself so by pledging a solid commitment to improve the transport infrastructure, skills base, employment opportunities and housing for citizens across Pennine Lancashire we can ensure that everyone benefits."

 

Councillor Gordon Birtwistle, leader of Burnley Council, said: "This is a notable step forward, but our signatures on the Multi-Area Agreement mark just the beginning. Now we have the collective voice, we must ensure it is heard; our shared vision must become reality. That means seeing new jobs created, attracting new investment and improving infrastructure.

 

"Our challenges remain, but we stand together. We are determined to improve the lives of residents across Pennine Lancashire - that is the real power of this partnership and why Burnley Council is part of the MAA."

 

Councillor Peter Britcliffe, leader of Hydburn Council, said: "The signing of this historic agreement is good news for Pennine Lancashire, showing our commitment to work together to share our skills to make real improvements for our residents."

 

Councillor John David, leader of Pendle Council, said: "The agreement clearly identifies the major problems of the area and shows ways in which they could be put right.

 

"Our hope is that the Government will respond positively and take the actions which we have proposed they should.

 

"Quite clearly, it's also the intention that, having put so much effort into this agreement, that greater resources will flow from the Government. I would expect this to be the case if the agreement is to succeed properly.

 

"For Pendle, the re-opening of the Todmorden Curve, connecting us by rail to Manchester, is vital, as are the road and rail links into Yorkshire. All of these are firmly identified in the agreement. We would also expect major improvements to economic and educational developments in Pendle."

 

Councillor Michael Ranson, leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council, said: "The Multi-Area Agreement is a step forward for Pennine Lancashire. It will bring together considerable knowledge, skill and expertise in tackling the area's problems. We believe the agreement will benefit our residents and we are looking forward to it being signed off."

 

Councillor Tony Swain, leader of Rossendale Council said: "The Multi-Area Agreement presents a unique opportunity to deliver significant improvements in Pennine Lancashire. It is a credit to all the authorities who have worked hard to develop the agreement, which will allow us to deliver positive improvements for the residents and businesses in Rossendale."