FAQs - Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire
What is Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)?
Local Government Reorganisation is the process of replacing current two-tier council structures (county and district councils) and smaller unitary authorities with new, larger unitary authorities.
These new authorities will be responsible for all local services in their area, such as education, social care, waste collection and planning.
Why is local government changing?
The aim of LGR is to create a simpler, more joined-up system that works better for residents and communities. The Government believes that having fewer, larger councils will:
- Make services simpler to access
- Improve efficiency and value for money
- Provide clearer accountability for decisions
What is the current position for LGR in Lancashire?
In February 2025, councils across Lancashire were invited by the Government to develop proposals for reorganising local government. Councils were asked to provide an initial response in March 2025, setting out their current position.
Following consultation, legislative approvals and work to develop the proposals, councils submitted their final LGR proposals to the Government in November 2025 for consideration. A public consultation was then held between February and March 2026 to gather residents’ views on the proposals.
In July 2026, the Government announced its preferred new council structure for Lancashire. However, in September 2026, the Government announced that the July decisions had been paused while the wider LGR programme is reviewed and consideration is given to how it fits with its wider plans to devolve more power to local communities.
The timescale for the review and the next steps for Lancashire have not yet been confirmed.
The Council Leader will represent Rossendale in the proposals, with guidance from the Council’s Chief Executive.
What was the decision announced in July 2026?
The government’s proposed structure for Lancashire would create four new unitary authorities responsible for delivering all services in their area:
- North Lancashire – made up of Lancaster, Preston and Ribble Valley
- West Lancashire – made up of Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool
- East Lancashire – made up of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Pendle and Burnley.
- South Lancashire – made up of Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire
Does the LGR pause mean LGR has been cancelled?
No. LGR has not been cancelled. The Government is taking time to review the programme and consider how reorganisation fits with its wider plans for local government reform and devolution.
What will happen during the pause?
Everything will continue to be delivered as normal, and you will keep accessing services in the same way.
Councils have been asked to pause work specifically focused on implementing LGR. Work that is useful regardless of the outcome of the review can continue. Councils are responsible for their own staffing and employment decisions.
Does the LGR pause mean Lancashire’s LGR decision will change?
We are unsure what the LGR pause means for the decision announced in Lancashire. For now, Rossendale Borough Council will continue to deliver services as normal, alongside Lancashire County Council.
The Government's review will determine the next steps for LGR and its impacts on the decision announced in Lancashire. The review will consider the decisions already made, areas where decisions have not yet been made, and issues including local support, disagreement and councils' readiness. Further information will be shared when it becomes available.
Will the LGR timetable change?
The new unitary authorities were expected to take over from existing strcutures in April 2028. This may change as part of the LGR pause and review.
Local elections due to take place in May 2027 on the existing council boundaries are expected to go ahead.
The timetable for the proposed elections to future shadow unitary councils in 2028 will be considered as part of the Government's review.
Will councils receive funding for LGR?
The Government recognises that councils have already invested significant time and money in preparing for LGR. It will consider the costs incurred by councils as part of its review. The Government has previously announced additional funding for LGR. Whether this funding will continue, including the proposed £63 million, will be considered as part of the review. Any costs arising from legal proceedings will be dealt with through the usual legal process.
Why were some LGR decisions withdrawn while others were paused?
Four LGR decisions made in March 2026 were withdrawn because of the timing of legal proceedings relating to those decisions. The Government will now consider these areas alongside the 14 areas where decisions were announced in July and the two areas where decisions have not yet been made.
Can councils submit further views to the Government?
The process for submitting further representations has not yet been confirmed. The Government has said Ministers will continue to listen to the views of local leaders during the review.
Will local services in Rossendale change under the new structure?
Yes, services will change. A unitary authority will be responsible for all local services previously split between Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council. This means one council will handle everything, including:
- Waste collection and disposal
- Road maintenance and highways
- Education and schools
- Social care for adults and children
- Libraries and leisure centres
- Housing and planning
- Council tax collection
The goal is to provide better, more coordinated services with less confusion about which council is responsible for what.
Will LGR affect local decision-making?
Local communities will continue to have a voice through councillors and local councils. The aim is to keep strong local representation while simplifying how services are delivered.
How will residents be represented in the new unitary authority?
Residents will elect councillors to the new unitary council instead of having separate borough and county councillors. This means:
- One set of councillors responsible for all local services
- Possibly fewer councillors overall than the current combined total
- New ward boundaries that may be different from current ones
- Regular elections to the unitary council (typically every four years)
Rossendale residents will still have local representatives, but they'll be part of the larger unitary council covering a wider area.
Residents will have opportunities to share their concerns during the consultation process when implementation timelines are confirmed.
What about town and parish councils?
Town and parish councils will continue as they are and will still represent local communities.
How does LGR link to devolution?
The Government sees strong and sustainable local government as an important part of its plans to devolve more powers and decision-making to local areas. It considers single-tier unitary councils to be an important foundation for this approach.
The Government has said the pause to LGR does not change its timetable for devolution. Its ambition is for every area in England to have, or be working towards, a strategic authority by the end of 2027, with strategic authorities in place across England by the end of 2028.
How can I find out more?
Updates will be made as more information becomes available via our website and social media channels. Alternatively, you can view Lancashire's dedicated LGR website.