AN EXPERT panel is calling for local residents and businesses to give their views for a review into Lancashire's economic future.

The Indepedent Economic Review has been commissioned by Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackpool Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership to create an up-to-date picture of the local economy in the wake of the coronavirus crisis and raise awareness about what the county needs in order to recover.

Now, the panel has issued a call for evidence with individuals, communities, businesses, and representative organisations being asked to help the panel deepen their understanding of the Lancashire economy by answering a number of key questions.

Chair Rowena Burns said: "It’s vital that we have a clear and accurate picture of the Lancashire economy so we can ensure the county is best placed to take advantage of opportunities to improve people's prosperity.

"This means recognising and understanding where there are economic challenges, and where investment may be needed to tackle them, as well as where Lancashire can build on its existing strengths.

"It's essential that the review offers a representative and credible analysis, which is why we're asking for those who know the county best to offer any evidence they have which can help us build a picture of the present economy, and the place they would like to see Lancashire become in future."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Independent Economic Review chair Rowena Burns

Along with Ms Burns, the review will be overseen by a panel of national experts from backgrounds including academia, local government, and think tanks.

A website has been launched in order to help people contribute to the study, in which an online survey asks respondents to offer their views on a number of themes.

These include opportunities and threats facing the county, the relationships between economies within Lancashire as well as the wider region, how manufacturing can be helped to thrive, and the barriers to people realising their full potential.

The survey also seeks people's views on how Lancashire could increase exports, where investment in the county could make the biggest impact, and how the county can best respond to the challenge of climate change, and support the transition to a low carbon economy.

To respond to the call for evidence, go to: https://www.lancashireier.org/.