Key terms and phrases

Vesting day

New councils take over all services. The new councils becomes responsible for every local service in its area. County and district councils in the affected area stop operating on this date. For Lancashire, it is expected this will be 1 April 2028.

Shadow council/authority

A shadow council is elected before vesting day. Its job is to prepare the new council so it is safe and legal to operate on day one. On vesting day, the shadow authority becomes the full authority.

TUPE

TUPE stands for Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment). It is a UK law that protects employees when the organisation they work for transfers to a new employer.

Unitary Council

A single council that provides all local services for an area. These will replace existing county and district councils in 2028.

Disaggregation

The process of dividing Lancashire County Council services, staff and resources between the new unitary councils. This includes looking at business need, personal circumstances and consultation with unions.

Aggregation

The process of combining district council services into the new unitary councils.

Measures (TUPE “measures letter”)

Any proposed changes a new council plans to make after transfer. New employers must tell and consult staff on these.

Transitional / Shared Services

Temporary arrangements where some services may continue to operate jointly across new council areas for a period after vesting day. Used to maintain safe continuity.

Business Continuity

Planning to ensure essential services continue safely before, during and after vesting day.

Combined County Authority (CCA) 

Lancashire’s strategic partnership body (separate from LGR) which new unitaries will need to work with.

Operating Model

How the new council will be structured and how services will be delivered after reorganisation.

Harmonisation

The process (after vesting day) of aligning different pay, terms and conditions inherited from the former councils.