The local Chamber of Commerce has had its say on the future local government in Lancashire, including changes to services in the Lancaster district.
Following a survey of hundreds of businesses by the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, they are now urging the government to approve three unitary authorities for the county, including changes for the area currently under the control of Lancaster City Council.
Under the Chamber’s proposals, which would dramatically change the economic and political landscape of the county, Lancaster would become governed by a unitary authority also including Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde.
These new councils would take charge of all local services in their area, from bin collections to social care.
Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire would make up another authority, while the existing councils in East Lancashire would become another.
The Chamber said they now urged the government to heed the voice of business in the county and support these proposals.
Babs Murphy (pictured below), chief executive of the NWLCC, said: “Business has spoken, and the Chamber has listened. As a voice of business, we have listened to members concerns and recommendations for all proposals and believe three unitary authorities would be the best for the county.''
“A three unitary authority falls within the government’s population guidelines, connects existing councils with similar economic identities and could deliver better services to businesses and residents.
“Having a coastal, central and eastern local authority keeps local identity intact and promotes business collaboration, as well as reducing service duplication as some of these district councils already work together.
“We urge the government to consider the Chambers proposal to ensure the restructure benefits the entire community and promotes social and economic growth for the county.”
Lancaster City Council has launched a new survey to consult everyone on their views of how public services should be run in the district.
Proposals covering the whole of the county need to be submitted by November 28, and to decide what form best fits its district, the city council is now asking for people’s views.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, stated: “Many may question the need to reorganise local government at all, but the government is determined to make changes and in the end the government minister will decide which proposal they like best.
“This means we need to be clear on what we think will be the best way forward for the Lancaster district. Any local government reorganisation will have significant implications for our communities and the way services are delivered, so I urge people to have their say and help us to finalise our proposals.
It takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be done online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/lgr-survey or by calling into the customer services centres at the town halls in Morecambe or Lancaster.
The deadline for completion is Monday October 13.
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