/ News / Have your say on the future of Lancashire

The expert panel leading an independent review into Lancashire’s economy is calling for others to contribute by offering their view of the challenges and opportunities facing local people and businesses.

A call for evidence is now open, 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.

The Independent Economic Review has been commissioned by Lancashire’s leaders to create an up-to-date picture of the local economy.

The aim is to give Lancashire an expert, external perspective on the challenges and opportunities it faces in order to support future asks of government, and inform the way local agencies organise themselves to deliver environmentally responsible and inclusive growth.

It is being funded and commissioned by Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackpool Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and overseen by a panel of national experts from a breadth of backgrounds, including academia, local government, and think tanks.

Rowena Burns, chair of the independent panel, 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.”

People can contribute to the call for evidence via a new website which has been launched to support the Lancashire Independent Economic Review.

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.

You can respond to the call for evidence, and find out more about the Lancashire Independent Economic Review here.

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