Local Government Reorganisation
Public consultation
From 5 February 2026 - 26 March 2026 the Government is running a statutory consultation on local government reorganisation in Lancashire.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) means changing how councils are structured and what services they deliver. The Government plans to replace the current two-tier system of district and county councils with new unitary authorities - single councils responsible for all local services.
This move aims to simplify the current system so it’s clear who is responsible for local services.
How services are delivered in Lancashire now
- Lancashire County Council provides services like social care, education, roads, and libraries.
- District and borough councils manage bin collections, planning, housing, and leisure.
- Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen already operate as unitary councils, delivering all these services under one authority.
The Government's proposed changes
The Government has written a plan called the English Devolution White Paper. It gives more power and money to mayors in England, so they can help make big decisions for their areas.
The plan also explains how local councils will be changed and improved.
All 15 councils across Lancashire have worked together to develop proposals for what these new arrangements could look like.
What devolution is and how it will work
Devolution means giving more power and money to local areas instead of the Government making all the decisions. It means local councils can make choices about things like transport, housing, and jobs.
What this means for Pendle – our preferred option
Burnley Borough Council and Pendle Borough Council have submitted a proposal for five unitary councils across Lancashire and have jointly prepared a business case for this.
We want a unitary council which covers Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and serves approximately 272,000 residents. We believe that a smaller unitary council would mean we’re closer to residents and more able to engage with people and deliver good quality services like adult social care, health services, highways and waste services.
Final proposals
While councils in Lancashire are united in recognising LGR as the right direction for the future, 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.
You can view all the options here.
Our commitment to you
Whatever happens, the services you rely on will continue to run. We will continue doing our best to:
- deliver high-quality, responsive services
- ensure transparent decision-making and clear accountability
- listen to you, involve you and keep you informed as we develop our approach
- manage the council’s finances responsibly, making sure every pound spent is delivering value for Pendle.
Key meetings
Our joint bid for our preferred option was discussed by councillors at an extraordinary Council meeting and Executive meeting in November 2025.
View the agenda and reports for the Council meeting
View the agenda and reports for the Executive
Burnley and Pendle survey results
Thank you to everyone who completed our survey giving your views on whether you agree with our preferred option of creating five unitary authorities across Lancashire.
We received more than 1,600 responses from residents, community groups and businesses.
In summary:
- 80% of respondents would prefer a new council serving around 272,000 residents across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale
- Those choosing this option feel smaller councils are more locally focussed and serve residents and communities better
- 78% of respondents have concerns about their local area being overseen by a larger authority, including loss of local voice and accountability and accessibility
- Maintaining and improving good quality local services and listening to residents are most important to survey respondents
- Roads (including transport and gritting) is the most important council service to local people
What will happen next?
A range of options are now being considered by Government, from creating two to five new councils.
The Government is currently leading a public consultation on the proposals, and a preferred option is expected to be announced in summer 2025.
If approved, elections for shadow authorities could take place in May 2027, with the new councils taking over all services from 1 April 2028.