Lancashire County Council say a new authority covering the Lancaster district should include Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Preston and the Ribble Valley.
There are currently 15 borough, district and county councils across the whole of Lancashire, and the government is proposing a major shake-up of local authorities, which would abolish all of them in favour of fewer, new unitary authorities, that would cover a larger area.
Currently, councils operate under a ‘two-tier’ system, with Lancaster City Council responsible for matters such as bin collections, planning, housing, and leisure, while the County Council oversee social care, education, roads, and libraries.
These new councils would take charge of all local services in their new larger area.
Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen already operate as unitary councils, delivering all these services under one authority.
Several options are being considered and each involve the Lancaster district joining with other areas in Lancashire.
A 200 page business case published by Lancashire County Council this week says the creation of two new authorities would offer the best value to residents.
The Lancaster district would be in a single council to include Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Preston and the Ribble Valley. A second authority would include the currently separate council areas of West Lancashire, South Ribble, Chorley, Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Burnley, and Pendle.
Proposals covering the whole of the county need to be submitted by November 28.
Below: Lancaster Town Hall
Councillors will be asked to consider a landmark proposal to create these two new unitary authorities for Lancashire at a meeting of the County Council at a meeting next week, on November 20.
The proposal is being put forward in response to the Government’s plans to streamline local government structures across England. The plans would see Lancashire's existing borough, district, unitary and county councils dissolved.
A range of options involving a varying numbers of councils were carefully assessed during the development of the business case.
However, the report concludes that these alternatives would not offer the best value for Lancashire’s residents.
Instead, the preferred option of creating the two new unitary authorities broadly divided by the River Ribble, is described as the most balanced and forward-looking solution.
Cllr Stephen Atkinson, (above), Leader of the Reform UK led Lancashire County Council, said: “It is no secret that I am opposed to the wholesale reorganisation of local government in Lancashire, particularly the speed at which these changes are being proposed.
"At a time when finances across the sector are stretched incredibly thin, the cost of abolishing 15 councils and replacing them with new unitary authorities will place a significant burden on council tax payers.
‘With years of increasing council tax, we need a robust financial solution which avoids residents paying the price.
"However, Government policy is clear. Change is considered necessary, and as a county council, we have a duty to put forward a proposal that serves the best interests of local people.
"This business case has found the proposal for two new authorities offers the most effective and sustainable solution for Lancashire.
"It also suggests this is the best option in terms of delivering high-quality services for residents, invest in our communities, and build a stronger, more resilient future for everyone.
"Next Thursday's full council meeting will provide an opportunity for all members to debate the business case and put forward a recommendation to the council's cabinet."
The report to councillors recommends that they request the County Council’s Cabinet endorse the proposal for establishing two unitary councils in Lancashire at its meeting on Thursday, November 27.
It is expected that one submission, with proposals ranging from two to five new councils, will be submitted to the Government on behalf of Lancashire's 15 councils on November 28.
The Government is expected to launch a public consultation on the proposals early next year, with a preferred option selected by summer 2026.
Elections for these new authorities could take place in May 2027, with the new councils assuming full responsibility for services from 1 April 2028.
You can read more about the proposed recommendation here
In September, Lancaster City Council launched a survey to consult residents on their views of how public services should be run in the Lancaster district, to help councillors when they are considering what proposals are put forward for consideration by the government.
The City Council’s response and preferred option will be discussed at an extraordinary meeting on November 26.
Councillor Caroline Jackson (above), leader of Lancaster City Council, said:: “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.’’
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