Council agrees preferred options to explore for Local Government Reorganisation
Published Friday, 21st March 2025
Councillors have given the green light for Pendle Borough Council to sign a joint letter which will be sent to government on behalf of all councils in Lancashire.
The letter will outline five options for local government reorganisation in the county with a supplementary note from Pendle Borough Council that clearly states the preferred options the Council is willing to explore.
This approach was agreed at Full Council on Monday 17 March and approved by the Council’s Executive last night (Thursday 20 March).
Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “I believe that by signing this letter, we will begin the process of determining a brighter future for the people of Pendle.
“It would ensure the democratic process remains at a local level, where services are delivered in a more localised environment, and in a more effective and efficient manner than they are today.
“In addition to this letter we will provide a covering letter which states that our preference is to explore options for four or five unitary councils in Lancashire only and do not believe larger authorities would provide the best and most effective local services.
“We believe this would ensure the complex and urgent needs of our community are addressed, and that local democracy would underpin the work and decision making of any unitary council.
“We want to continue to deliver services of the highest quality and provide the best possible impact and opportunity for all our communities.”
This initial response to Government must be made today - Friday 21 March - with the full Bid submission by late November 2025.