Why is local government reorganisation (LGR) and devolution being proposed?
The government wants councils to be simpler, so it’s clear who is in charge of local services. This will help councils be more efficient.
The English Devolution White Paper gives more power and money to mayors in England, so they can help make big decisions for their areas.
The paper also explains how local councils will be changed and improved. This will help local areas have more say in their future, make councils work better, and help people know who is responsible for services.
They think that simpler local government structures will:
- Make it easier for residents to know who delivers their services
- Make it easier for residents to know who deals with local issues
- Result in better services for the local community
What is Local Government Reorganisation?
Local government reorganisation (LGR) will change the current two-level council system into new, bigger councils called unitary councils.
All 15 councils in Lancashire would be replaced with a number of unitary councils. This will make things simpler.
The white paper has stipulated that the optimum size for new unitary councils should be at least 500,000 people. However, they have also suggested flexibility on this number.
Councils in Lancashire have submitted proposals on how to achieve this. The government wants these ideas to:
- Use areas that make sense on a map, usually based on current council borders
- Make sure the new councils can manage their money well
- Keep services working smoothly
- Think about local pride, history, and culture
- Aim for each new council to cover around 500,000 people (but this can change depending on the area)
What is devolution?
Devolution means giving more power and money to local areas instead of the government making all the decisions. It means local councils can make choices about things like transport, housing, and jobs.
In 2024 the Lancashire Combined County Authority (CCA) became is a legally recognised, single body. It includes Lancashire County Council and the two Lancashire unitary authorities, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council.
It provides a single body for the whole of the county to champion its interests, deliver on local priorities and provide greater local accountability. The CCA aims to address key priorities such as improving public transport, boosting economic prosperity, and enhancing employment and skills.
Visit the Lancashire Combined County Authority website to find out more.
The government is seeking further devolution with regions working collectively through Mayoral Strategic Authorities.
What does LGR look like?
All 15 councils in Lancashire would be replaced with a number of unitary councils.
The white paper has stipulated that the optimum size for new unitary councils should be at least 500,000 people. However, they have also suggested flexibility on this number.
How is devolution different from LGR?
Devolution is about transferring powers and funding from government to local areas. This gives them powers and funding that they don't currently have. Currently Lancashire has a Combined County Authority.
LGR aims to simplify and reduce the number of councils across the country. It will create larger unitary councils, which means:
- A more streamlined and effective system
- Better value for money.
Unitary councils are responsible for all council services in an area.
What would LGR mean for Lancashire?
All the same council services would still be provided, but by newly formed and larger unitary authorities. These new councils would cover a wider area than just the one district or city. It would see newly formed councils in Lancashire, replacing:
- The County Council
- Two unitary councils
- 12 district councils
The shape of a new local government structure in Lancashire is yet to be determined. The government invited councils in Lancashire to submit proposals for how current structures could be reorganised. The initial proposals for Lancashire were sent to government on 28 November 2025.
The government will review the proposals and respond early 2026 with their preferred option/s and will launch a consultation.
How does this impact residents now?
For now, nothing has changed. Services at all councils will continue to be delivered as normal, and the priority remains delivering these services to the highest standard possible.
How will the council's services be delivered in the future?
This will be part of Lancashire's LGR proposals. Devolution and LGR create opportunities to transform and improve services, prioritising the delivery of high-quality public services to the local community.
What's the timeline for LGR?
28 November 2025 Final proposals submitted to government
Spring 2026 Government statutory consultation on proposals
Summer 2026 Ministerial decision expected
1 April 2028 Vesting day - new unitary councils go live
Do residents have a say in this?
Yes. A consultation has already taken place across Lancashire to get views from residents and other stakeholders on the principals of reorganisation, feedback on which has informed initial proposals submitted to government.
Once government has reviewed the options put forward, another consultation will take place.