Partnership leaders say link-up between Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire makes ‘common sense’

Leaders of Preston Partnership have thrown their support behind proposals to create a new unitary authority bringing together Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, as part of the government’s drive to streamline local government.

The call follows the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper, published in late 2024, which sets out plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across England.

The review aims to replace two-tier council structures with fewer, larger unitary authorities, each serving around 500,000 residents by April 2028. Lancashire, home to 1.5 million people across 15 councils, is one area under review.

Leaders from the 15 councils are currently weighing up options that range from two to five unitary authorities.

One option under review would see Preston City Council join forces with Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire councils to form a new authority.

 This proposal has been endorsed by leaders of Preston Partnership, the business-led membership body representing more than 100 businesses. In a focus group and survey, held during the summer, over 90 per cent of 50 Preston business leaders taking part backed the move.

John Chesworth, chair of Preston Partnership, said: “While the process is undoubtedly challenging, Lancashire must see local government reorganisation as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a structure that delivers greater economic development and more wealth for our residents and their communities.

"The government had made it clear that a streamlined local government structure will unlock greater investment and devolved powers. It’s vital that we respond decisively to secure the opportunities this will bring.

“The feedback from many of Preston Partnership’s members, as well as business leaders we have spoken to across Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, is that it makes complete common sense for Preston to come together with our neighbours.

“The evidence also suggests they can work together. There is already a Central Lancashire Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) in place and over the past decade, Preston, Chorley and South Ribble have created the Central Lancashire Local plan, which has mapped out a tri-district plan until 2041. The £434m City Deal, created by Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire County Council, is estimated to boost the local economy by £1bn.

"Together, along with West Lancashire’s Local Plan, these areas have supported thousands of new homes, created major employment sites and created confidence at a scale no single district could have achieved alone.

 “Through LGR, we have an opportunity to create a council that represents the actual economic and social footprint of our area. There is a good working framework there already to build on. The driver behind this process must be what’s best for the people and not what is politically expedient.”

Beckie Joyce of Preston Partnership added: “There is clear appetite across Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire to work as one. From the economy and transport to education and culture, these places are already deeply connected. Bringing them together reflects the way people, businesses and communities already live and operate. It’s an obvious and natural fit.

“Lancashire needs change. Fewer, more joined-up local authorities will provide a more sustainable Lancashire local government model, open up access to greater funding opportunities and enable more coherent policy making.

“Greater Manchester has shown how local areas can work together for the greater good, while still retaining their individual identities. This region continues to outperform other UK regions. This is the path Lancashire should follow.”

Lancashire residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to have their say on the different options through a dedicated survey. To take part in the survey visit givemyview.com/lancashirelgr.

Councils have until November 28, 2025 to submit their proposals to government.