Frequently Asked Questions
What is LGR?
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the term used when councils are restructured to create fewer, larger authorities. The aim is to simplify local government by replacing the current two-tier system with unitary councils.
How will this affect residents?
There will be no immediate changes to services. If reorganisation goes ahead, services will eventually be delivered by a new council structure. Wyre Council will continue to operate as normal until any changes are implemented.
Why is this happening now?
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.
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’s 2024 English Devolution White Paper set out a renewed commitment to devolving powers from Westminster to local areas. LGR is part of this wider reform, aiming to:
- Improve service delivery
- Reduce duplication
- Strengthen local leadership
- Make councils more financially sustainable
What is the English Devolution White Paper?
The White Paper was published by the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner MP on 16 December 2024.
The paper sets out the government’s commitment to devolution and its aim to transfer more power and resources from central government to local authorities.
There are two main strands to this – establishing Mayoral Strategic Authorities (currently called Mayoral Combined Authorities) at a sub-regional level, and to reorganise the remaining two-tier councils into unitary authorities in 21 county areas.
It is expected that the White Paper will progress to Bill stage and be introduced in legislation by Summer/Autumn 2026.
What is a Unitary Council?
A unitary council brings together all service responsibilities under a single authority.
- One council would be responsible for the full range of local services.
- Council tax bills, business rates and most local services would all be managed by a single council.
What is Devolution?
Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to regional and local government. This aims to ensure that decisions are made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect.
What is a combined authority?
A combined authority enables a group of two or more councils to collaborate and take collective decisions across council boundaries.
Does Lancashire have a combined authority?
The Lancashire County Combined Authority (LCCA) was officially launched on 5 February 2025. This is a partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council.
The LCCA is governed by representative councillors from the three upper tier Local Authorities in Lancashire. These are two for Lancashire County Council, one from Blackburn with Darwen Council and one from Blackpool Council.