Local Government Reorganisation
Local Government Reorganisation
Latest News
5 February 2026
Last year, we shared Lancashire’s proposals for Local Government Reorganisation.
A Government consultation is now open until March 26. Share your views here https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/lancashire-blackburn-with-darwen-blackpool/
Read more about the criteria for Local Government Reorganisation and view Lancashire’s proposals at www.lancashirelgr.co.uk.
Background
The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP, introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill on 10 July 2025, following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper on 16 December 2024.
The government has announced that it will facilitate a programme of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for two-tier areas and for those unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality services for their residents.
The government has set a timeline for Lancashire councils to produce a preferred option for local government reorganisation by the end of November, asking for proposals to move from the current two-tier system of a county council, two smaller unitary councils and 12 district councils, to a simpler model of fewer unitary councils.
Timeline
- September 2025: Public Consultation – Have your say on the future of local services in Lancashire.
- November 2025: Councils submit proposals to Government.
- Early 2026: Government-led public consultation begins.
- Summer 2026: Government selects its preferred option.
- May 2027: Elections take place for the new (shadow) council
- April 2028: New unitary councils officially launch and existing councils cease to exist.
Lancashire
Lancashire is made up of 15 councils which includes one county council, two unitary councils, and 12 district councils:
The County Council – provides county-wide services such as education, highways, and social care on behalf of district councils: Lancashire County Council
Unitary Authorities – provide all services in their area, these are: Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council
District Councils – provide local services such as housing, waste collection, and planning, these are: Burnley Borough Council, Chorley Council, Fylde Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, Lancaster City Council, Pendle Borough Council, Preston City Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Rossendale Borough Council, South Ribble Borough Council, West Lancashire Borough Council, and Wyre Council
What are the options for Lancashire?
Lancashire’s 15 councils are working together to submit a proposal to Government by 28 November 2025. Several options are being considered, ranging from two to five new unitary councils.
Proposals
Whilst Lancashire’s 15 councils are working together on LGR, there are differing views on how best to deliver it.
Each council has their own unique local priorities, challenges, and opportunities. This has led to the development of a number of different proposals. These proposals reflect a shared commitment to finding the most effective solution for residents and businesses.
Hyndburn Borough Council is working with neighbouring councils to put forward a joint proposal to create three larger unitary councils for Lancashire. We support an option where the East of Lancashire becomes one new council.
This new council would bring together Hyndburn, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale – an area known for innovation, skills and strong communities.
It would build on our strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, green industries and digital technology, while protecting what makes each town special – from our culture and heritage to our stunning countryside.
This proposal:
✅ Will save £188.4 million by 2032
✅ Keeps strong local identities for our unique towns
✅ Mirrors how police, health & other organisations work
✅ Ensures services stay close to local communities
The 3 Unitary Authority Proposal can be viewed here
Key Criteria
The Government has said that any new unitary authority must be able to demonstrate:
- Stronger local leadership
- Improved service delivery and outcomes
- Value for money and financial sustainability
- Economic growth and prosperity
- Community identity and effective local partnerships
Guidance has been issued that most new councils should serve at least 500,000 people. Exceptions may be made to ensure the system works well for each area, especially in relation to devolution.
Local Government Reorganisation vs. Devolution:
What’s the difference?
- Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Changes how councils are structured and what they’re responsible for.
- Devolution: Gives areas more powers and funding from central government by creating combined or strategic authorities (collection of councils working together across a bigger area). These can include an elected mayor
Further resources
Government Consultation – Have your say on the future of local services in Lancashire https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/lancashire-blackburn-with-darwen-blackpool/
House of Commons information: Is my council going to be abolished?
What is Local Government Reorganisation? https://youtu.be/KQgpBTD7pR8 Summary of the local government reorganisation process – GOV.UK