Chance to have your say on Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire

The Government has launched a statutory public consultation on all five proposals submitted by councils in November. 

Lancashire’s 15 councils, including Pendle Borough Council, look set to be abolished by 2028 in the biggest shake-up of local government in over 50 years.

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

Unitary authorities in Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen deliver all these services.

The Government wants to replace all Lancashire councils with single-tier authorities delivering all services.

The county’s 15 councils have been working together to develop proposals on how the new authorities might look.

These include business cases for two, three, four, an alternative four and five unitary authorities.

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.

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.

Following an initial public survey on the proposed changes last year, the Government now wants to hear from named consultees and interested parties.

The statutory consultation is targeted towards organisations in specific sectors, such as the police and health, but input from local residents and businesses is welcomed and will be considered.

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

“In a previous 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.

“Please take this opportunity to have your say in this latest consultation.”

The proposals and link to complete the survey is available via www.lancashirelgr.co.uk

Alternatively paper copies of the proposals can be viewed in Number One Market Street in Nelson.

Library staff are available to help anyone who needs support to view the proposals or complete the consultation online.

The consultation is open until Thursday 26 March.

The Government’s preferred option is expected to be announced in the summer, with elections for the shadow authorities taking place next May and the new councils taking over services on April 1, 2028.

Parish and town councils will not be affected by the proposed changes.