In December 2024, central government produced a White Paper (a consultation document) outlining its ambitions to be introduced in the English Devolution Bill for the reform of local government, including the reorganisation of local government structures, aiming to simplify governance, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
View the White Paper at gov.uk.
In addition, the government aims to devolve more powers, money, and responsibilities to local areas by creating combined authorities.
In February 2025, all 15 councils in Lancashire were invited to submit proposals by November 2025 to replace all councils with larger unitary authorities, each serving approximately 500,000 residents.
The Government has set out its ambition to dissolve the current system of two-tier district and county councils and instead create a number of new unitary councils to deliver all local services through single authorities.
All of Lancashire's 15 councils are now working together to develop proposals for what these new unitary arrangements might look like.
Key dates
Government invitation issued: 5 February 2025
Interim business case proposals: 21 March 2025
Final business case proposals: 28 November 2025
Shadow Authority elections: May 2027
New unitary councils take control (Vesting Day): 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. Our joint survey asks about the importance of current services, your experiences of using them, and 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.
Complete the survey online at www.givemyview.com/lancashirelgr/surveys
The survey is open until 28 September 2025. Paper copies are available in local libraries, or by contacting lgr@lancashire.gov.uk or calling 0300 1236701.