Have your say on the future of local council services in Lancashire

Currently, Lancashire County Council provides services such as social care, education, roads, and libraries, while district and borough councils manage services like bin collections, planning, housing, and leisure. 

Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen operate as unitary councils, which deliver all of the above services.

The Government has set out its ambition to dissolve these councils and instead create a number of new unitary councils to deliver all local services through single authorities.

All of Lancashire's 15 councils are now working together to develop proposals for what these new unitary arrangements might look like.

They are collectively calling on residents, businesses and community organisations to fill in a short survey to find out their views on local government.

Questions include how important services currently provided are, what people's experience of services has been and what they think about the creation of new unitary authorities, including benefits and opportunities as well as concerns.

The answers will help the councils shape their proposals for Lancashire's future, which must be submitted to the Government by November 28th.

Currently a range of options, from the creation of two through to five new councils, are being considered.

The 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

Councillor David Whipp, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “I would urge everyone to take this opportunity to have their say.

“Local government in Lancashire is changing and it’s important you tell us what matters to you so that your views are taken on board when proposed new unitary councils are created.

“The options range from very large councils which cover a wide geographical area through to smaller and more local councils.”

The Government is expected to lead a public consultation on the proposals early next year with a preferred option selected in the summer.

New elections for the shadow authorities could then take place in May 2027 with the new councils taking over all services on April 1 2028.

To take part in the survey visit www.givemyview.com/lancashirelgr

Help to complete the survey is available at libraries in Lancashire (including Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen). Preston’s central library is currently closed and so help will be available at the Reception Desk, Preston Town Hall. Alternatively, paper copies are available by contacting  lgr@lancashire.gov.uk or calling 0300 1236701, or via your local authority where braille and easy read formats will also be available on request.  

Notes to Editors

Parish councils are not affected by these changes.

For more information on Local Government Reorganisation, visit the Local Government Association’s hub The devolution and LG reorganisation hub | Local Government Association