16 December 2024: The UK government published the English Devolution White Paper, confirming plans for major structural changes in two-tier areas such as Lancashire.
5 February 2025: Government formally invited Lancashire councils to work together on proposals for Local Government Reorganisation.
21 March 2025: Deadline for councils to submit an interim joint plan, including all five proposals.
By 28 November 2025: Deadline for councils to submit final, detailed proposals to government.
Winter 2026: MHCLG consultation on the business case proposal for unitary councils.
Spring 2026: The minister will announce the arrangements to be put in place put regulations before parliament.
May 2027: Shadow Authority will be elected based on the unitary council’s proposed, they will operate in parallel with the existing authorities.
1 April 2028: Vesting Day, the new unitary councils become fully operational, taking over services currently delivered by county and district councils, the 15 current Lancashire authorities will be abolished.
