Council Leader Alyson Barnes latest update Feb 26
It is not often that we are asked to think about the structure of local government itself. We are all far more used to talking about the services we rely on every day – keeping our streets clean, supporting families in need, maintaining parks and leisure facilities. But right now, residents and businesses across Rossendale have an opportunity to help shape something much bigger: the future of local government in Lancashire.
The Government has launched a formal consultation on proposals to reorganise councils across the county. In simple terms, this means replacing the current two-tier system of county and district councils with new unitary councils that would deliver all services in their area. It is a significant change, and I appreciate that it can feel quite confusing. However, at its heart, this is about one straightforward question: how do we make sure local services are efficient, resilient and able to meet modern demands?
The current system is outdated. It was designed for a different era and increasingly struggles to meet residents’ expectations for simple, responsive services. Responsibilities are split between councils, which can lead to duplication, confusion and inefficiencies. We have seen how fragmentation can create challenges, whether that is disagreements over waste transfer stations or the ongoing pressures around public health budgets, highways and leisure provision. When budgets are tight, as they have been for many years, those cracks become more visible.
Reorganisation is intended to address those issues by creating larger unitary councils with responsibility for all local services in their area. Consolidating councils across a bigger area allows for better sharing of costs, clearer accountability and greater capacity to withstand financial shocks. It also streamlines decision-making, reducing layers of bureaucracy and aligning with wider government priorities to cut fragmentation and improve efficiency.
Rossendale Borough Council’s preferred option is the creation of three unitary councils across Lancashire. We believe this model strikes the right balance: large enough to be financially resilient and deliver efficiencies, but not so large that local identity and accountability are lost. More information about our preferred option, and the rationale behind it, is available on the Council’s website.
This is not change for change’s sake. It is a proactive response to ongoing budget pressures and increasing demand for services. Public health, waste management, education and social care and many other vital services face growing challenges. By modernising the structure now, we aim to create a more sustainable model of local government that can serve our communities well for decades to come.
The consultation is open until 26 March. A ministerial decision is expected by summer 2026, with new unitary councils going live in April 2028. I would strongly encourage residents and businesses to take part. The consultation is primarily online, but paper copies and support are available for those who are less comfortable using digital forms. We want to ensure that everyone who wishes to contribute can do so.
These decisions will shape how services are delivered across Lancashire for a generation. It is important that Rossendale’s voice is heard clearly and confidently. I hope you will take the time to share your views and help us build a system of local government that is modern, efficient and fit for the future.
As always you can get in touch with me by phone on 07817 414248 or by email at alysonbarnes@rossendalebc.gov.uk.
Read more about LGR and our preferred option https://bit.ly/RBCLGR1
Take part in the survey https://bit.ly/RBCLGR2