Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire councils welcome Government’s Local Government Reorganisation decision
The Government announced yesterday its decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Lancashire. This decision, subject to Parliamentary approval, represents the biggest change in local government in more than 50 years.
Under the plans four new unitary councils will be created, replacing all 15 existing councils.
The new unitary councils will cover:
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
All champions of the Four Lancashire proposal, leaders at the three authorities set to cover the South Lancashire area have welcomed the decision, one which they believe will have the best outcome for their residents and Lancashire as a whole.
Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council said, “We’re really pleased that Government has made this decision. It’s the right outcome for Lancashire, which is why we were committed to driving the Four Lancashire proposal forward.
“We want the absolute best for the residents of Chorley and this outcome I believe will allow us to continue to provide excellent services and see growth for the Chorley area along with our neighbours who will make up the newly formed South Lancashire.”
Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, “We went into this process with the one aim – to get the best result for the people of South Ribble.
“This decision is the best one we could have hoped for, and I am pleased that Government has taken the Four Lancashire proposal forward. It’s a proposal that has high ambitions for growth, while still allowing for our local areas to receive the best opportunities they can to continue to thrive.”
Already Chorley and South Ribble councils share over half of their workforce, including senior leadership team and for over a decade have been bringing together services to deliver more efficiency and cost savings for the taxpayer.
Just last month, all three councils moved to share a Chief Executive, with the view the arrangement would deliver more efficiency.
David Whittingon, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council said, “This is the best decision for West Lancashire. We’re in a very strong position now to move forward in working with the other councils across Lancashire in establishing the new unitary authority, and I am looking forward to working together with colleagues to make this happen.
“Our message right now to residents is that no immediate changes will happen, it’s business as usual as we start the process.”
The Government has confirmed that elections to the new shadow councils will take place in May 2027. All councils have been working together to do the necessary preliminary work to prepare for this and there is a team ready to implement the changes needed for the new unitary councils going live on 1 April 2028.
Local Government Reorganisation is part of a wider national programme intended to create simpler and more effective council structures.
Further updates, including key milestones and opportunities to ask questions, will be shared over the coming months as plans develop. More information is available at www.lancashirelgr.co.uk
