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Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Local government reorganisation (LGR) means changing how councils are structured and what services they deliver. The government plans to replace the current two-tier system of district and county councils with new unitary authorities - single councils responsible for all local services.

How services are delivered now

  • Lancashire County Council provides services like social care, education, roads, and libraries.

  • District and borough councils manage bin collections, planning, housing, and leisure.

  • Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen already operate as unitary councils, delivering all these services under one authority.

The Government's decision

The Government has announced its preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Lancashire.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, four new unitary councils will be created to replace the current 15 councils. The new arrangements will be legally confirmed only once a Structural Change Order is made.

This marks the start of the next phase of planning for the new unitary councils.

For now, it is business as usual. There are no immediate changes to services. Residents should continue to access support in the same way as they do now. Our focus remains on keeping services running smoothly and supporting our communities.

Local Government Reorganisation is about changing how councils are organised, not how people use services day to day. In the future, the new unitary councils will bring services together under a single organisation, making it simpler and more joined-up for residents.

This is a phased, long-term process. The new unitary councils are expected to take on responsibility for services in April 2028. This allows time for careful planning to ensure a smooth and well-managed transition.

We understand that people may have questions about what this means. We are committed to being open, honest and transparent, and we will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

Visit the Lancashire LGR website for more information and updates.

Next steps

Following the Government decision, the government's latest timeline is as follows:

  • Shadow elections for new unitary councils – May 2027

  • New unitary councils go live – April 2028