Fylde Council has today responded to the Government’s announcement which brings radical change to the structure of local government in Lancashire.
Fylde, along with all other 11 district councils, will be abolished, as will the two unitary councils of Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen. Nor will there be a county council of Lancashire. The Government have decided that Fylde, Blackpool and Wyre will form one new unitary council, to go live in 2028. The unitary councils are:
West Lancashire – made up of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre
North Lancashire – made up of Lancaster, Preston and Ribble Valley
East Lancashire – made up of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Pendle and Burnley
South Lancashire – made up of Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire
Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Fylde Council has been unambiguous from the outset that we did not support local government reorganisation for Lancashire. Our residents spoke clearly against this change, as they value our independence, our identity and the close relationship we have with our communities. Sound financial management and high-quality services is our strength. We remain debt free, as do Wyre Council, but that is about to change.
“Although this is not the route we would have chosen, Government has now taken a decision, and our responsibility is to protect Fylde’s interests as the process moves forward.
“Residents can be assured that Fylde’s voice will be heard clearly. We will work hard to secure the best possible outcome for our communities and to make sure the qualities that make Fylde special are not lost in the reorganisation process.
“Our priority is to safeguard services, ensure stability for residents and businesses, and maintain Fylde’s distinct character during the transition period. Fylde will work constructively with partners across the Fylde Coast while continuing to represent the borough’s interests robustly.”
Further information will be provided as Government releases more detail on the next steps and the timetable for transition.
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