A COUNCIL has decided to pull out of a joint working agreement.

Ribble Valley Council have pulled out of the proposed Lancashire Combined Authority after being unhappy with the election of a Lancashire mayor and transport issues.

A combined authority is a legal body that allows councils to work together more closely and with greater accountability.

The original decision to form the combined authority was made by 10 out of Lancashire’s 12 district councils, Lancashire County Council and the county’s two unitary authorities – Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool – following a public consultation last year.

Ribble Valley councillors across all parties had voted in favour of taking the proposed combined authority to the next stage after hearing that its members would remain separate entities, but work together more effectively in transport, regeneration, economic growth, skills, housing and employment.

Ribble Valley Council leader Ken Hind said: “The shadow combined authority was a significant milestone in the process of collaborative working.

“A number of meetings took place with ministers and civil servants, but progress has been slow and it has been made clear by the Government that any significant devolution deal will require agreement on an elected mayor for Lancashire.

“We made it clear that we wanted a vote and a say on transport issues, but the proposed constitution rejected our request, so we have decided to withdraw.

“Nor do we want an elected mayor for Lancashire – we want cooperation, not domination.”

County Cllr Albert Atkinson, the deputy leader of Lancashire County Council, who also represents Ribble Valley North East, said: “I think it’s a shame because if you are not in it you can’t influence anything.

"It’s Ribble Valley Council decision but I would have thought they could have sorted something out with the other 12 districts.”

Cllr Simon Blackburn, who is chairman of the proposed Lancashire Combined Authority, said: "Lancashire leaders are meeting on Tuesday to discuss the future of joint working across the county, a further statement will be issued following that meeting.”