Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Update 2 September 2025

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share an update on how Local Government Reorganisation is progressing.

As mentioned in my last message, we expected some engagement activity over the summer. That’s now underway, and a public survey has been launched to gather views from residents and stakeholders.

I also want to make sure you feel well-informed about what LGR involves, how the process works, and what it means for us here in Lancashire.

What is 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

• 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.

About the survey

The public survey is now live and will run for four weeks, closing on Sunday 28 September. Your feedback will help shape our proposal for how councils could be organised in Lancashire in future.

The survey is being run by an independent company called Cratus, on behalf of all 15 Lancashire councils. They’ll collect and analyse the responses.

Please complete the survey online if you can - it’s the quickest and easiest way to take part. If you need support, paper copies are available, along with help at local libraries.

The survey doesn’t ask you to choose a specific new council model, but it does show maps of the options being considered. A single council for all of Lancashire isn’t one of the options, as it doesn’t fit with the government’s plans for more local powers.

• Lancashire Local Government Survey

I’d really encourage you to take part. You work in Lancashire and understand how we deliver services. This is your chance to help shape how we could work better for everyone in the future.

There’ll be another opportunity to have your say in early 2026, when the government runs its own public consultation.

Further information

We’ll continue to update the LGR intranet page and FAQs as new information becomes available. If you don’t have network access, visit: www.lancashire.gov.uk/staff.

If you have any questions or comments, please email: LGRquestions@lancashire.gov.uk.

 

Mark Wynn 
Chief Executive