Lancashire's devolved Combined County Authority with £20 million to spend should be 'up and running' early next year, Blackburn with Darwen's leader has said.

Cllr Phil Riley made the prediction to the authority's full Council Forum meeting on Thursday.

The deal agreed between Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool and Lancashire County Council remains controversial with several districts including Burnley and Hyndburn expressing strong reservations about it.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council's 4BwD opposition leader, Cllr Mustafa Desai, and its Conservative group leader Cllr John Slater have welcomed the progress made on the issue.

Cllr Riley told the meeting: "I’m delighted proposals to create a Combined County Authority for Lancashire have passed a crucial stage after the government signalled it was happy to proceed with the plan and support the Level Two deal.

"Myself along with the leaders of Lancashire County Council and Blackpool Council received word from Local Government and Devolution Minister, Jim McMahon MP that the statutory tests to implement the proposal have been met.

"The government now intend to bring the matter before Parliament in the coming weeks.

"When parliamentary approval is secured, an initial £20m capital funding will be unlocked to support innovation-led growth and net zero ambitions across Lancashire, along with further powers and funding for adult education, transport, employment and skills.

"This is fantastic news for our borough and the whole of Lancashire.

"I think we have every hope that the Combined County Authority for Lancashire will be up and running early in 2025.

"Devolution is a good opportunity and really the key issue for us as a county now is to move on."

Cllr Slater said: "I know the combined authority has been a painful trek for you Phil but it will be worth it.

"We will see the benefits of a combined authority for all of Lancashire but East Lancashire especially."

Cllr Desai said: "The devolution deal is welcome and it's reassuring to see that the steps are being taken in the right direction."