Local government reorganisation (LGR)
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 under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which aims to simplify how councils are structured and improve how services are delivered across England.
LGR means moving from the current two-tier system, where county and district councils share responsibilities, to a single-tier model, where one council runs all local services in an area.
The government’s aims are to:
- Make councils more efficient and financially stable
- Improve service quality and accountability
- Give more power to local communities
What’s happening in Lancashire
We’ve responded to the government’s invitation by working together with all councils across Lancashire – including the 12 district councils, and the two existing unitary authorities: Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council.
There’s no single preferred model yet, but options are being developed ranging from two to five new unitary authorities. Most proposals are based on current council boundaries, though some are exploring changes.
In March, we submitted an Interim Plan, outlining early ideas and challenges. Since then, we’ve been working together to build a shared economic and financial evidence base to support detailed business cases. We’re now developing this further, with a deadline to submit proposals to the government by the end of November.
Key dates
The current key dates set by the government are:
- November 2025 – We submit proposals to the government
- Early 2026 – Government runs a public consultation
- Summer 2026 – Government selects its preferred option
- May 2027 – Elections for the new (shadow) councils
- April 2028 – New councils go live, and current councils close
Once the government makes its decision, all councils will work together to prepare for the change.
What other areas are doing
Local Government Reorganisation is not unique to Lancashire and is happening all over the country. Existing county council areas have been invited submit their own proposals for establishing new unitary authorities in their areas, with most working to the same timetable as we are.
Surrey is progressing rapidly under the Devolution Priority Programme, having already submitted their proposals on which government has now consulted, with elections expected in 2026.
Hampshire are expected to submit their proposals this month.
Other counties such as North Yorkshire, Somerset, Dorset, and Buckinghamshire have also recently transitioned to unitary models.
What LGR means for you
If the government confirm LGR will go ahead, it will bring change but also opportunity. I know many of you are wondering what this means for your roles, so here’s what we know so far:
- Job security and transfers: Most staff will move over to the new councils. The public services you deliver are essential and will continue to be delivered to our usual high standards throughout the transition.
- New roles and career development: New structures may create new roles, especially in leadership, transformation, and service integration. There’ll be chances to help shape the future of public services in Lancashire.
- Culture and engagement: Building new organisations will be a challenge, and we’ll need to work together to create positive cultures where the new councils can thrive. Staff and union engagement will be central to this work - and it’s also a legal requirement.
- Support and communication: I’ll keep you updated regularly on what’s happening, how you can get involved, and what the plans might mean for you.
Public survey
A public survey was launched to gather views from residents and stakeholders. This closed on Sunday 28 September. The feedback will help shape our proposal for how councils could be organised in Lancashire in future.
The survey was run by an independent company called Cratus, on behalf of all 15 Lancashire councils. They’ll analyse the responses.
There’ll be another opportunity to have your say in early 2026, when the government runs its own public consultation.
Ask a question
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.
Consultations will be a crucial part of the local government reorganisation (LGR) process. The government and local councils will engage with communities, employees, and other stakeholders to gather input and ensure that the reorganisation meets local needs and priorities.
These consultations will provide opportunities for you to share your views, ask questions, and contribute to shaping the future structure of local government. The feedback collected will help inform the development of proposals and ensure that the transition is as smooth and effective as possible.
Shared services will be considered where they are most appropriate, such as for specialist teams. Final arrangements depend on agreements between future councils. Examples could include emergency planning and resilience teams.
Following clarification from the Minister for Local Government, a single unitary for Lancashire would not be compatible with current devolution plans. For powers and funding to be devolved from central government, a combined county authority is required, and our understanding is that a CCA requires more than one local authority member. Therefore, more than one unitary would be required to support devolution arrangements.
The aim of new unitary authorities is to improve service delivery and efficiency. This will likely lead to a review of operations and any existing duplication across Lancashire, in order to create a more efficient and effective local government structure. However, they may also create new roles and responsibilities, offering fresh career paths and growth opportunities.
Overall, while changes are inevitable, we are focused on ensuring that future reorganisation benefits both our employees and our community.
There are no current plans for a council-wide scheme. Most staff will most likely transfer under a form of TUPE if LGR proceeds. Decisions will be communicated transparently.
There is ongoing engagement with councils like Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Lessons from recent reorganisations are being applied to improve implementation.
The survey is a collaborative effort across the 15 councils of Lancashire. A government consultation is expected in early 2026, which will allow more detailed feedback.