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
Burnley Borough Council and Pendle Borough Council support developing proposals for five unitary councils across Lancashire and are jointly preparing 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. You can view all the options here.
Have your say
Pendle and Burnley 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 thoughts on creating new unitary councils, including potential benefits, opportunities, and concerns
- Your preferred size of the new unitary council that will include Pendle and Burnley
Your feedback will help shape the proposals that must be submitted to the Government by 28 November 2025.
Take part in the survey
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.