Lancaster City Council has thrown its support behind proposals to create a new unitary council with Preston and the Ribble Valley as part of a proposed shake up of local government in the county.
The decision was made by cabinet following a Full Council debate which voted to recommend the four unitary option as the way ahead.
Business cases were prepared for five proposed unitary models, with the four unitary model emerging as the most balanced, sustainable, and widely supported option for the county
The move follows a request from the Government for councils in Lancashire to submit proposals for changing the current structure of local government, which would abolish district councils like Lancaster City Council in favour of new unitary authorities.
These new councils would take charge of all local services in their area, from bin collections to social care. Several proposals, ranging from the creation of two to five new unitary councils, have been developed.
Each would see the Lancaster district joining with other areas in Lancashire. Lancaster City Council has now formally decided to back an option which would see the creation of four new unitaries:
• North Lancashire Unitary: Lancaster, Ribble Valley, Preston
• Pennine Lancashire Unitary: Blackburn, Rossendale, Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle
• Fylde coast Unitary: Blackpool, Wyre, Fylde
• South Lancashire Unitary: Chorley, South Ribble, West Lancs
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “Under the circumstances we believe the four unitary option is the most sensible option for the Lancaster district.
“Like Lancaster, Preston is a university city, and the Ribble Valley’s landscape is similar in the way it is dominated by agriculture, food production and outstanding natural assets.
“Joining with these two areas is a natural fit and together we would form a powerhouse that would drive forward our local economy for the benefit of all our residents and businesses.
“Consultation has shown that people are strongly protective of their local identity and value decisions being made close to home. The Four Lancashire model keeps local communities at the heart of decision making, ensuring that governance remains rooted in the places that people live and care about.
“The Four Lancashire proposal is also the most widely supported option amongst the districts and I believe is by far the best option for our future.”
The business cases for each of the proposed options will be submitted to the Government by tomorrow, Friday November 28. The Government will then decide which proposal(s) will go to statutory stakeholders for consultation during the first half of 2026.
Government minister, Alison McGovern (Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution) is then expected to make a final decision in the summer. A shadow authority would be created in 2027 with the new authority ‘vesting’ or commencing from 2028.
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