Local Government Reorganisation
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.
Most new councils will serve populations of 500,000 or more, though exceptions may be made to suit local needs. Each area's future structure will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
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 announced its ambition to dissolve Lancashire’s existing councils and create new unitary councils to deliver all services through single authorities.
All 15 councils across Lancashire are now working together to develop proposals for what these new arrangements could look like.
Our preferred option
Pendle Borough Council supports the option for a smaller unitary authority covering Pendle on the basis that it will be closer to residents and more able to address social care and other issues because of its size.
Have your say
Lancashire’s councils are inviting residents, businesses, and community organisations to share their views and help shape the future of local government.
A joint survey asks:
- How important current services are to you
- Your experience of those services
- Your thoughts on creating new unitary councils, including potential benefits, opportunities, and concerns
Your feedback will help shape the proposals that must be submitted to the Government by 28 November 2025.
Take part in the survey
Find out more and complete the survey
Help to complete the survey is available at libraries in Pendle
The survey closes on Sunday 28 September 2025.
What could happen next
A range of options are being considered, from creating two to five new councils.
Proposals must demonstrate:
- Stronger local leadership
- Improved service delivery and outcomes
- Value for money and financial sustainability
- Economic growth and prosperity
- Community identity and effective local partnerships
The Government is expected to lead a public consultation on the proposals early next year with a preferred option selected in summer 2026.
If approved, elections for shadow authorities could take place in May 2027, with the new councils taking over all services from 1 April 2028.