‘INCREASING frustration’ has been expressed at the slow progress towards a Lancashire Combined Authority.

The new body is supposed to bring together councils in the county to draw down powers and cash from Whitehall.

In a report to colleagues Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Cllr Mohammed Khan said: “I’m sure you will share my increasing frustration at the Government’s lack of response over progress to create the Lancashire Combined Authority.

“Members will be aware the authority to be formally created at the start of April, however the government are clearly focussing on Brexit and existing devolution deals which has unfortunately held up the process for Lancashire.

“However, despite the slow progress there is real positivity amongst Lancashire council that we can achieve great things for the whole of the county.”