Burnley and Pendle Councils submit business case for Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire

The Government was clear in its criteria that any proposals should meet local needs and must be informed by local views. 

The highlights of the Lancashire wide survey showed that 23% of respondents supported new larger councils, 15% were unsure and the majority (63%) indicated a preference to keep the current structure.

However, keeping the current structure is not an option. The Government issued a statutory invitation to all authorities in Lancashire to submit proposals for local government reorganisation.

Burnley Borough Council and Pendle Borough Council have worked together on a proposal which would see Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale councils come together, providing services for around 270,000 people.

The joint proposal takes into consideration the results of the Burnley and Pendle engagement programme which included a series of focus groups and a community consultation.

Almost 1,600 local people responded expressing overwhelming support for the five unitary model with almost 80% of respondents favouring this option.

Similarly, in a consultation undertaken by Lancaster City Council, this model received the most support.

The submission follows meetings held at Burnley and Pendle Councils where councillors agreed to submit the shared bid.

Badged Big enough to deliver – local enough to connect, the proposal aims to promote growth, inclusion and prosperity by respecting the identities, history and geography of Lancashire.

Councillor David Whipp, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “At the heart of our proposal is localism.

“In a Lancashire-wide consultation, which received almost 14,000 responses, community identity and connection emerged as strong and consistent priorities across the county.

“Every community deserves a council that understands its challenges and ambitions, and this model is designed to deliver just that.

“We want to protect and improve the vital services people rely on, ensure councils are financially strong for the future, and responsive to local needs.

“By creating councils that are large enough to be efficient, but local enough to stay connected to communities, we can give people a stronger voice in how their area is run.”

Councillor Afrasiab Anwar MBE, Leader of Burnley Council, added: “Our joint business case has been developed following an enormous amount of work including extensive analysis and public consultation.

“We have acted in the spirit of the Government’s criteria and have fully considered residents’ opinions, and I would ask that the Minister gives the same time and spirit when assessing all proposals submitted, including the 5UA model.

“In every part of the county, people have told us they want stronger local leadership, better services and more accountability.

“The need is particularly urgent in East Lancashire where deprivation is most acute, and that is why this model gives two distinct voices around the devolution table to the most deprived in the east.”

The Government has asked councils across England to replace the current two-tier system, where county and district councils deliver separate council services, and instead create unitary councils that deliver all local services.

For Lancashire, this would see the County Council, 12 district councils, and the two existing unitary councils - Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool - be replaced with fewer local authorities.

Proposals to divide Lancashire into two, three and four unitary authorities have also been submitted by other councils.

The Government is expected to consult residents and key stakeholders before they decide which proposal they want to see implemented in Lancashire.

A decision is expected by early summer 2026.

Notes to editors

All Lancashire councils have worked together to develop a single, shared, comprehensive data set and evidence base including economic, financial, and service baselines which have informed all proposals.