Leader’s Viewpoint: Councillor Munsif Dad July 2025
As we move through July and enjoy the summer months, I am pleased to share several important updates from Hyndburn Borough Council.
At the start of the month, a short memorial service was held at the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. It is important that we remember the sacrifices that have been made for the freedom we all enjoy today, especially the 11th (Service) Battalion (Accrington) East Lancashire Regiment, known as the Accrington Pals. The Pals are interwoven into the very fabric of our local history, and it was an honour to commemorate their legacy alongside Accrington RBL and residents.
The Council have officially taken on the administration of the Household Support Fund (HSF) for 2025/2026. This vital scheme is here to help residents who are facing financial difficulties, especially during tough times. The fund provides help with things like food vouchers, fuel payments, and support for buying basic household items such as clothing or small appliances.
We are working closely with local voluntary, community and faith-based organisations to make sure the support reaches the people who need it most. The application process is now open, and I encourage anyone who might need help to come forward. For full information and to apply, head to: https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/household-support-fund/
It is a pleasure to share that Hyndburn has once again retained 11 Green Flag Awards for our parks and green spaces. This is the highest number of any district in Lancashire and something we should also be immensely proud of. These awards recognise the high standards of cleanliness, safety and community involvement in our green spaces, and I would like to thank all the staff, volunteers and community groups who work so hard to keep these areas thriving and welcoming.
This week, the Council also approved a revised Corporate Strategy, helping to guide the Council’s focus for the coming years. The previous strategy was agreed in 2023, but changes in both local leadership and national policy around devolution have meant that a refresh was important to keep the Council’s priorities up to date. We do not want this strategy to just be a document that sits unused on a shelf – we intend to deliver results.
This updated strategy sets a clear direction for the Council and reflects our ongoing commitment to improving services, delivering value for money and making sure our borough is prepared for future opportunities.
A key new priority in our strategy is embracing the opportunities presented by devolution. Work on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Lancashire is moving at pace, with a consultant now engaged to lead the development of a detailed proposal based on collaborative work with existing local authorities.
Specifically for Hyndburn Council, we are working toward a November 2025 deadline for submitting a preferred proposal to central government that reshapes Lancashire’s local government to better meet the needs of our residents, improve service delivery and strengthen local accountability.
To achieve this, we will be focusing on local partnerships, shared working with neighbouring councils and preparing our organisation and staff to take on new responsibilities. Regular updates will be provided as this work progresses, and we remain committed to a transparent, inclusive and evidence-led approach throughout the LGR journey.
I would like to take a moment to thank residents for your continued support and involvement. From our parks to our policy decisions, your voice helps to shape the future of Hyndburn. Please look out for further updates from the Council and enjoy the rest of the summer – perhaps even by exploring one our Green Flag Award-winning green spaces.