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.
We started our devolution journey in early 2024 when Full Council agreed to create a Combined County Authority (CCA) in Lancashire. This agreement will bring together the efforts and resources of Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, and Blackpool Council to enhance regional collaboration and governance.
A combined authority
A combined authority is a legal body created using national legislation that enables two or more councils to work together and make decisions across their boundaries. You can learn more in the Combined Authorities: A Plain English Guide. Under the new proposals, combined authorities will be replaced by strategic authorities.
The English Devolution White Paper
The English Devolution White Paper, released in December 2024, outlines the Government’s plans to reform local government. It includes various proposals for devolution, local government reorganisation, and changes to local audits.
The Devolution Priority Programme
The Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) is for areas that want to move quickly towards devolution. The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution has said that participants need local agreement and a sensible geographical area. The DPP aims to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority, with the first mayoral elections planned for May 2026.
Lancashire doesn’t need to consider this because we already have the foundations for the Combined County Authority, which has started.
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. Most new councils will have populations of 500,000 or more, but there may be exceptions to ensure the new structures are suitable for each area. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Questions and comments
You can ask questions and share thoughts here LGRquestions@lancashire.gov.uk
Your questions and comments will be used to develop key themes which we will then share on the intranet. We are unable to respond to all queries individually.
Your questions answered
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?
We know that many of you will have questions about local government reorganisation, and we understand that this period of uncertainty can cause concerns.
We have received the letter from central government outlining more detail on the process involved in relation to potential LGR.
What are the timescales for LGR?
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 will review the interim plans provided in March and provide feedback to support the development of final proposals. No decision will be made at that point around which proposals are implemented. The government will review all final proposals received in November and decide which ones to implement, focusing on efficiency, service delivery improvements, and financial stability.
- 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.
What impact will LGR have on jobs?
The aim of new unitary authorities is to improve service delivery and efficiency. This will likely lead to a review of operations and any existing duplication across Lancashire, in order to create a more efficient and effective local government structure. However, they may also create new roles and responsibilities, offering fresh career paths and growth opportunities.
Overall, while changes are inevitable, we are focused on ensuring that future reorganisation benefits both our employees and our community.