Local government reorganisation (LGR)
Lancashire is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, 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 the current structure of local councils will change. At the moment, Lancashire has a two-tier system of local government:
- one county council,
- twelve district councils, and
- two unitary authorities.
The proposal is to simplify this structure into a single tier, meaning the current councils would be replaced by a smaller number of new councils, each responsible for all local services in their 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.
In March, we submitted an Interim Plan, outlining early ideas and challenges. We then worked collectively to build a shared economic and financial evidence base to support detailed business cases.
In November 2025, our Cabinet approved the recommendation to submit the our proposal for two unitary authorities for Lancashire to Government. In total five proposals from across the county were submitted to Government.
What LGR means for you
LGR will bring change but also opportunity. Many of you are understandably 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.