Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Devolution gives local councils more freedom and flexibility, allowing them to improve public services more effectively. This leads to better-targeted services, more growth, and stronger partnerships between public, private, and community leaders.
The English Devolution White Paper
The English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, sets out the government’s intended approach to accelerate and standardise the processes by which it passes powers, funding and programmes from Westminster to local areas.
Central to this devolution is the creation of a ‘strategic authority’, the new name for combined authorities already seen around the country, covering areas with populations of 1.5 million people or above. There will be three levels of strategic authority, holding varying degrees of power depending on their maturity and whether they have a directly elected mayor.
See a handy video which explains devolution and local government reorganisation.
Lancashire Combined County Authority
Lancashire’s devolution journey began in early 2024 when a Combined County Authority (CCA) was created. The members of the CCA are Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, and Blackpool Council, with district councils being represented in a non-voting capacity. This is a Level 2 strategic authority meaning there is no elected Mayor.
The CCA should provide a starting point for devolution in Lancashire, with the aim of improving public transport, boosting economic prosperity, and enhancing employment and skills.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Local government reorganisation involves changing the structure and responsibilities of local councils.
According to the English Devolution White Paper, the Government plans to replace the current two-tier system of district and county councils. The new unitary councils will have larger populations than the current district footprints.
In Lancashire, there are 12 district councils and the County Council which will be replaced by fewer unitary authorities. All councils are developing their positions on local government reorganisation and proposals are to be submitted to Government in November 2025.
Four Lancashire – rooted in communities, kickstarting economic growth
We are proposing a four unitary model for Lancashire which will see the region split into four unitary authorities:
- Chorley, South Ribble, West Lancashire (South Lancashire)
- Fylde, Wyre, Blackpool (Fylde Coast)
- Lancaster, Preston, Ribble Valley (North Lancashire)
- Blackburn, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Pendle, Burnley (Pennine Lancashire)
We’ve done extensive work to figure out what the future of Lancashire should look like, making sure our economies can continue to thrive, our communities can be supported and that residents can have unitary authorities dedicated to delivering excellent services locally – and that is the Four Lancashire model.
This model is the most supported across existing councils. It’s financially stable and most importantly, it makes sense for our residents and our communities.
We know people want access to excellent and reliable services from councils which are dedicated to making the region thrive. They want their local authority to understand them, their areas and the opportunities and challenges they face, and the Four Lancashire model will deliver this.
We believe that Four Lancashire is the option that best balances councils being of sufficient size to be financially efficient and sustainable, whilst also being close enough to understand our communities.
South Lancashire Council, which under this model will comprise areas of Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, will provide a hub of connectivity and will be home to global manufacturing, set amongst a network of vibrant communities, historic market towns, and villages.
Transport links to neighbouring city regions of Liverpool and Manchester also allow more people to call these areas home, offering vibrant towns with tight-knit communities along with natural landscapes to enjoy.
It’s truly an exciting time for Lancashire and we’re proud to be proposing Four Lancashire model as the obvious choice for the future of the region.
Proposals
We have been working closely with fellow councils who support this model to work up a proposal which can be submitted to government.
The documents will be submitted to government on 28 November 2025 subject to Cabinet approval and Scrutiny call in.
FAQs
What is the difference between devolution and local government reorganisation?
Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. Local government reorganisation is about how the powers and funding that sit with local government are organised between councils.
What does this mean for Lancashire?
The government wants councils to be simpler, so it’s clear who is in charge of local services. This will help councils be more efficient and make public services work better.
Right now, Lancashire is made up of 15 councils. One county council, two unitary authorities and 12 district councils.
The Lancashire Combined County Authority which includes Lancashire County Council and the two Lancashire unitary authorities, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council.
With the current system some councils look after things like bins and parks. Others look after schools and care for children and older people. It’s hard to know who does what.
We want to make it easier for everyone - including local people, businesses, the NHS, and the police - to know who is in responsible for what and how we can work together to make Lancashire even better.
Through the reorganisation, the current two-tier system of district and county councils will be replaced with fewer and larger unitary authorities.
What are the timescales for local government reorganisation?
This timeline ensures a structured transition, allowing for thorough consultation and planning.
- Interim Plans: Councils in two-tier areas need to submit their interim plans by 21 March 2025.
- Final Proposals: Detailed final proposals must be submitted by 28 November 2025.
- Assessment and Decision-Making: The government reviewed the interim plans provided in March and provided feedback to support the development of final proposals. The government will review all final proposals received in November and decide which ones to implement focusing on which best meet the criteria set out in February 2025 and the needs of local communities.
- Implementation: The new unitary authorities are expected to be operational in 2 waves. The first wave by April 2027, and the second wave by April 2028.
Will there be a consultation?
Consultations will be a crucial part of the local government reorganisation (LGR) process. The government and local councils will engage with communities, employees, and other stakeholders to gather input and ensure that the reorganisation meets local needs and priorities.
These consultations will provide opportunities for you to share your views, ask questions, and contribute to shaping the future structure of local government. The feedback collected will help inform the development of proposals and ensure that the transition is as smooth and effective as possible.
A Lancashire wide survey took place in September 2025 to gather initial views about Local Government Reorganisation with another government-led statutory consultation expected in 2026.