Four council future for Lancashire

Lancashire will be split into four new council areas under local government reorganisation plans announced today.

Subject to parliamentary approval, four unitary local authorities will be created - replacing the current 15.

The decision, subject to Parliamentary approval, has been described as the biggest change in local government in more than 50 years.

The new unitary councils will cover:

• North Lancashire – made up of Lancaster, Preston and Ribble Valley 
• West Lancashire – made up of Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool  
• East Lancashire – made up of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Pendle and Burnley
• South Lancashire – made up of Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire

The changes will see these new unitary councils take responsibility for all local services in their areas.

The Government has confirmed elections to the new shadow councils will take place in May 2027. 

A statement released through Lancashire County Council, which will disappear under the shake-up, said: “All councils have been working together to do the necessary preliminary work to prepare for this and there is a team ready to implement the changes needed for the new unitary councils going live on 1 April 2028. 

“For now, all current 15 councils will continue to provide high-quality services to residents and communities with no immediate changes to how those services are delivered or accessed.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire’s Local Government Reorganisation Board of Chief Executives, said:  “Today’s announcement marks an important milestone for Lancashire. 

“While there will understandably be a great deal of interest in what this means for our residents, businesses and communities, it is important to stress that for now, it is very much business as usual. 

“No matter how we are reshaped, our priority remains unchanged – to continue delivering high-quality services while we work together across Lancashire to plan the next steps.

“There is strong collaboration already in place. By working together, we have a real opportunity to create something positive for our residents, communities and workforce. This is a long-term change, and there is time to ensure the transition is carefully managed. 

“We recognise that change of this scale can bring uncertainty. We are committed to being open and transparent throughout the process, keeping residents, staff and partners informed as more details become available.”

Local government reorganisation is part of a wider national programme intended to create simpler and more effective council structures. 

The Government has said people should see no disruption to services as these changes are made, and councillors will continue in their roles representing and supporting their communities throughout the transition.

Further updates, including key milestones and opportunities to ask questions, will be shared over the coming months as plans develop. More information is available at www.lancashirelgr.co.uk.

Local government reorganisation (LGR) is separate from the county’s devolution process.

However, the new unitary councils would become constituent members of the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA), which will continue to lead strategic initiatives in transport, innovation, trade, investment, skills, and adult education.

The Government announced its intention to scrap the existing council map in December 2024.

All 15 councils were asked to suggest the make-up of the new system and after failing to agree five options were submitted to Whitehall ranging from two councils to five.

Following the announcement, Stephen Atkinson, Reform UK’s leader of Lancashire County Council, expressed his 'serious concerns' about the shake-up.

He said: “I have been clear from the outset that I do not support the wholesale reorganisation of local government in Lancashire, particularly at the pace these changes are being taken forward.

“This is not a small administrative change. It involves abolishing existing councils, creating new organisations, restructuring services and asking staff to deliver major reform while continuing to provide the services residents rely on every day.

“Many people value the councils they know and the local representation they provide. My view remains that larger authorities risk moving decision-making further away from communities rather than closer to them. Residents should continue to have a strong voice in the decisions that affect their towns, villages and neighbourhoods.

"I also have serious concerns about the scale and complexity of delivering such a significant reorganisation. Bringing together 15 councils and creating four new authorities will be an unprecedented undertaking, requiring major changes to systems, services and staffing while maintaining day-to-day operations.

“There are important questions around affordability, delivery and the ability to make such extensive changes within the proposed timescales.

“However, the Government has now made its decision and we alongside our fellow councils must deal with the reality in front of us.

“Lancashire County Council will work constructively with partners to ensure any transition is managed responsibly and in the best interests of residents.

“There is a great deal of work ahead, but our focus will remain on protecting essential services, supporting staff and delivering for the people of Lancashire every day.

“We will continue to be open about the challenges involved while doing everything possible to ensure residents receive the high-quality services they expect and deserve throughout the transition.”

Ribble Valley Council said it was ‘delighted’ by the Government’s announcement that will see it combined with Preston and Lancaster, the option unanimously supported by its councillors.

Council leader Simon Hore said: “We felt strongly that the four unitary model was in the best interests of Ribble Valley and are delighted the Government agrees.

“We look forward to working with our partners to deliver a smooth transition to the new authority, which promises an exciting future for our residents and businesses.”