Current position
- Lancashire authorities are developing business case proposals to establish the best unitary structure for Lancashire.
- Residents and businesses will have access to information including maps and visual guides that outline the business case proposals.
- The business case proposals must be submitted to government by 28 November 2025.
- The proposals will be considered by the minister with consultation on the preferred options.
- The minister will decide which proposal for unitary councils will be implemented through parliamentary approval.
Lancashire’s Current Structure
Currently, most of Lancashire operates under a two-tier system:
- Lancashire County Council provides services like social care, special education needs, roads and libraries.
- District and borough councils manage things like bin collections, planning, housing and leisure.
- Council services in Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen are run by unitary councils, meaning they deliver all local services in their areas.
Lancashire LGR Proposals
Here are some possible outcomes that have been discussed. These are just suggestions; the final structure may look very different to these options. Final proposed unitary arrangements will be subject to further public consultation after supporting business cases have been developed.
Fylde Council is currently considering a business case for a three unitary council model for Lancashire because the option most closely aligns with the criteria set out in the guidance from MHCLG. The populations of the three unitary councils will be close to the 500,000 guide and the unitary councils closely match Lancashire Police Divisions and NHS Trust areas.
The proposal includes a coastal authority stretching from the Ribble Estuary to Morecambe Bay covering common strategic matters including bathing water quality, coastal defence, and offshore energy.
The Timeline for LGR in Lancashire
- 16 December 2024: The UK government published the English Devolution White Paper, confirming plans for major structural changes in two-tier areas such as Lancashire.
- 5 February 2025: Government formally invited Lancashire councils to work together on proposals for Local Government Reorganisation.
- 21 March 2025: Deadline for councils to submit an interim joint plan, including all five proposals.
- By 28 November 2025: Deadline for councils to submit final, detailed proposals to government.
- Winter 2026: MHCLG consultation on the business case proposal for unitary councils.
- Spring 2026: The minister will announce the arrangements to be put in place put regulations before parliament.
- May 2027: Shadow Authority will be elected based on the unitary council’s proposed, they will operate in parallel with the existing authorities.
- 1 April 2028: Vesting Day, the new unitary councils become fully operational, taking over services currently delivered by county and district councils, the 15 current Lancashire authorities will be abolished.
