The potential of a Unitary Authority with responsibility for the Morecambe Bay area took a step closer recently after receiving backing from councillors across the district.
Under the proposals put forward, Lancaster City Council, South Lakeland District Council and Barrow Borough Council would be replaced with a new, single tier Unitary Authority which would have responsibility for the area.
After examining local support and considering the full proposal, each of the councils called council meetings on December 8th where it was agreed that the Morecambe Bay Unitary Authority proposal would be presented to Government.
Consultation on the idea of a Bay authority included an on-line survey, independent polling and letters and emails that gathered the opinions of nearly 4,000 residents. Discussions were held directly with key stakeholder organisations, while ‘virtual’ events with the leaders and senior officers of the three councils allowed hundreds of businesses, community groups, parish and town councils and young people, youth organisations and young carers to ask questions and offer feedback.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the three district councils, Councillor Ann Thomson from Barrow Borough Council, Councillor Dr Erica Lewis from Lancaster City Council and Councillor Giles Archibald from South Lakeland District Council, said: “We believe that the option of a Bay unitary, linking up our three councils, has the potential to deliver the best outcomes for our communities and it seems that our communities agree.
“We have been delighted with the positive reaction to our proposal and that so many people have taken the trouble to engage with us, learn about the proposal and share their views.
“What is clear is that this proposal has caught the imagination and just about everyone that we have spoken to agrees that it is an exciting prospect, an opportunity to deliver lasting and positive change in local government across the Bay area.”
The full proposal document and public opinion survey results can be viewed on the Lancaster City Council website as part of the 8th December council meeting agenda here Unitary Proposal
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
