The county council's leader Geoff Driver rejected the idea of a combined authority last year because he said pursuing it in the absence of unanimous support would have damaged Lancashire's credibility with the Government. 

Fylde BC remains on the sidelines, but Cllr Driver said: 'While it'd be great to have everyone around the table they are keeping a close eye on what's happening and, as we drive this forward, I hope they will join our group and take an active part in shaping the future of Lancashire.'