Leader’s Viewpoint: Councillor Munsif Dad June 2026
As we begin a new municipal year, I want to start by expressing my sincere gratitude for the confidence that colleagues have once again placed in me by reappointing me as Leader of the Council. It is a privilege to continue serving the residents of our borough, and I remain fully committed to working with members, officers and our communities to deliver for Hyndburn.
I am also pleased to announce a Cabinet for 2026/27 that brings together a wealth of experience, commitment, and fresh ideas. Each member of this team has demonstrated a commitment to serving our communities, and together we will work tirelessly to deliver real improvements across the borough.
Cllrs Melissa Fisher and Vanessa Alexander are the Deputy Leaders of the Council. Cllr Clare Pritchard, Jodi Clements, Paul Cox and Kate Walsh make up the remaining Cabinet positions.
Earlier this month, we were once again proud to support another highly successful Food and Drink Festival in Accrington, which brought thousands of people into the town centre. This weekend just gone also saw Accrington town centre transformed into a vibrant international football celebration, with a packed programme of free family attractions, football challenges, special guests and giveaways bringing football fever to the heart of the town.
Events like these continue to showcase the vibrancy of our borough, and support local businesses, encouraging people to spend time in our town centres and bring communities together. I look forward to a packed programme of summer activities still to come across our towns and parks, including this weekend welcoming the return of Oswaldtwistle Carnival on Sunday 21st June and another Pride in Place event in Accrington Town Centre on Saturday 20th June (including a special international flag trail around Accrington Market).
On Local Government Reorganisation, work continues at pace across Lancashire. While we await a final decision from Government which is expected in early July, preparatory work is already well underway across key service areas including finance, IT, workforce, communications and buildings. We will ensure residents are kept informed as soon as further updates are confirmed, alongside opportunities to ask questions and share their views.
At the next full Council meeting, the adoption of the new Local Plan for Hyndburn is expected to be adopted. This is a significant milestone that will help shape how our borough develops in the years ahead, ensuring growth is managed responsibly and in the best interests of our communities.
We have also recently implemented Article 4 Directions across the wards of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat, Immanuel, Milnshaw, Overton and St Oswalds. This direction removes permitted development rights for the conversion of homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). In combination with the existing Article 4 Direction covering the wards of Barnfield, Central, Church, Clayton-le-Moors, Peel, Netherton, Rishton, Spring Hill and St Andrew’s, which came into force inMarch 2026, these permitted development rights have now been removed across the whole borough. This will allow the Council to take a more proactive approach to managing housing growth and protecting residential amenity, while a consultation process remains open for residents to engage with. Further information, including details on how to participate in the consultation, is available here: https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/planningpolicy/
It has been great to see the St George’s Cross flying across our civic buildings as we show support for England during this summer’s World Cup. Football has a unique way of bringing communities together, and this is our way of showing that Hyndburn is right behind England as we begin our World Cup journey.
Finally, keeping children safe has always mattered to me, both as a politician and a father. Today’s children are growing up in a very different world, and legislation must keep pace—especially with the growing influence of technology and social media.
I have seen the harm social media can cause, from bullying to exposure to extreme content that is not properly controlled. That is why I support the Government’s decision to ban access for under-16s. It will help children step away from attention-driven platforms and enjoy a more balanced childhood.
Crucially, this measure will return power to parents, who often feel unable to protect their children online. As the world changes, so must we, if we are to keep children safe.