Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire
Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) means changing how councils are structured and what services they deliver.
The government plans to replace the current two-tier system of district and county councils with new unitary authorities - single councils responsible for all local services. Most new councils will serve populations of 500,000 or more, though exceptions may be made to suit local needs. Each area's future structure will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
We’re in the early stages of LGR in Lancashire, following a formal invitation from the UK Government on 5 February 2025. This is part of a national plan which aims to simplify how councils are structured and improve how services are delivered across England.
The government’s aims are to:
- Make councils more efficient and financially stable
- Improve service quality and accountability
- Give more power to local communities
All councils across Lancashire are now working together to explore what these new arrangements could look like. This includes considering different options for how areas like Wyre could be grouped with neighbouring councils to form new unitary authorities.
This is separate from the devolution process. You can find more details about the differences between devolution and LGR here - The devolution and LG reorganisation hub | Local Government Association
How services are delivered now
Lancashire predominantly has a two-tier system of local government at present and is made up of 15 councils which includes one county council, two unitary councils, and 12 district councils:
The County Council - Lancashire County Council
Provides county-wide services such as education, highways, transport and social care on behalf of district councils
Unitary Authorities – Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council
Provide all services in their area.
District and borough Councils – including Wyre Council, Burnley Borough Council, Chorley Council, Fylde Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, Lancaster City Council, Pendle Borough Council, Preston City Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Rossendale Borough Council, South Ribble Borough Council and West Lancashire Borough Council.
Provide local services such as housing, waste collection, and planning.
What’s happening in Wyre?
We’ve responded to the government’s invitation by working together with all councils across Lancashire to develop proposals and shape the future structure of local government in our county.
We are committed to:
- Ensuring any new arrangements reflect the needs of Wyre’s communities.
- Protecting local identity and accountability.
- Delivering high-quality, efficient services for residents.
Next steps
All 15 councils in Lancashire are working together to develop proposals that must be submitted to the Government by 28 November 2025. There’s no single preferred model yet, however a range of options are being considered, from creating two to five new councils.
These proposals must demonstrate:
- Stronger local leadership
- Improved service delivery and outcomes
- Value for money and financial sustainability
- Economic growth and prosperity
- Community identity and effective local partnerships
The Government is expected to lead a public consultation on the proposals early next year with a preferred option selected in summer 2026.
If approved, elections for shadow authorities could take place in May 2027, with the new councils taking over all services from 1 April 2028.
Have Your Say
Lancashire’s councils are inviting residents, businesses, and community organisations to share their views and help shape the future of local government.
A joint survey asks:
- How important current services are to you
- Your experience of those services
- Your thoughts on creating new unitary councils, including potential benefits, opportunities, and concerns
Your feedback will help shape the proposals that must be submitted to the Government by 28 November 2025.
Take part in the survey
Find out more and complete the survey
Help to complete the survey is available at libraries across Wyre in Poulton, Garstang and Fleetwood. Accessible versions and paper copies are available by emailing lgr@lancashire.gov.uk or calling 0300 123 6701.
The survey closes: 28 September 2025.
We also encourage you to share the survey with your networks so that as many voices as possible are heard.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in shaping the future of local government in Lancashire.
This page will be updated as information becomes available from central government, partner agencies and the local authorities in Lancashire.