Government rejects Lancashire referendum call

The government has rejected Reform UK’s call for a legally binding referendum to decide the future of local government in Lancashire.

Local government minister Jim McMahon has told the new ruling group at Lancashire County Council that a referendum is “not part of the statutory process which has already begun.”

And he has stressed a deadline of November 28 for Lancashire councils to choose the make-up of new unitary authorities for the county.

Lancashire County Council leader Stephen Atkinson had asked for permission to hold a vote about the shake-up of local authorities as well as the prospect of having an elected mayor.

The government wants to scrap all 15 of Lancashire’s councils and replace them with three or four larger unitary authorities. These would provide all services under an elected mayor.

Councillor Atkinson said: “I am disappointed that the government are not willing to adjust their processes to allow a legally binding referendum on this important matter.

“We will now seek advice on the most appropriate course of action to ensure our residents can share their views.”

The possibility of a non-legally binding referendum organised by Lancashire’s council leaders remains.

Reform UK say that voters in areas like Ribble Valley are concerned that any mergers of local authorities will result in increased council tax charges and less investment in rural transport and local services.

The party has also highlighted what it calls the “massive debts” of some of Lancashire’s current district councils.

Elected mayors are at the heart of Labour’s devolution and local government plans. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has spoken of her hope that Lancashire will have one in place by 2026.

Cllr Atkinson has spoken of his personal opposition to the elected mayor model and his belief that it is not the right fit for Lancashire.

Read more about his thoughts on re-organisation and Reform’s County Hall plans in an interview featured in the upcoming issue of Lancashire Business View.