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.

 

Key meetings

Our joint bid for our preferred option will be discussed by councillors at two meetings in November.

A Council Meeting is taking place on Monday 17 November for all councillors to consider the draft business case and make any recommendations to the Executive.

At the Executive Meeting on Thursday 20 November, councillors will formally decide whether to submit our proposal to Government.

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 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.