Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. Local government reorganisation is about how the powers and funding that sit with local government are organised between councils.
Local Government Reorganisation explained
Local government reorganisation (LGR) involves changing how councils are structured and what services they deliver. The aim is to simplify governance, improve service delivery, and make local authorities more financially sustainable. Under the Government’s plans, outlined in the English Devolution White Paper, the current two-tier system, where responsibilities are split between county and district councils, will be replaced by unitary authorities. These new councils will be responsible for all local services within their area.
In Lancashire, this means potentially replacing the existing 15 councils (including Lancashire County Council, 12 district councils, and two unitary authorities—Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen) with a smaller number of larger unitary councils, each serving populations of around 500,000 residents
More about local government reorganisation
Devolution explained
Devolution gives local councils more freedom and flexibility to make decisions that reflect the needs of their communities. By shifting powers from central government to local authorities, councils can improve public services more effectively, deliver better-targeted support, and foster stronger partnerships between public, private, and community leaders.
In Lancashire, our devolution journey began in early 2024 when Full Council agreed to establish a Combined County Authority (CCA). This landmark decision brings together Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, and Blackpool Council to form a single strategic body focused on enhancing regional collaboration and governance.