Council reorganisation will cover 'range of views'

The finer details of local government reorganisation in Lancashire will be discussed by cabinet members this week.

As part of the government's devolution white paper, local authorities in "two tier" areas, which have county and district councils, have been asked to submit initial views on creating unitary councils for their areas.

Unitary councils provide the full range of council services such as bin collection, highways and education.

Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of the county council, said: "Our focus is to ensure that any potential changes are in the best interest of the people of Lancashire."

All of Lancashire's 15 councils have been asked to submit initial plans for how they will reorganise themselves into new authorities by 21 March with final, detailed proposals submitted by 28 November.

The government has said services to residents should not be affected by these changes.

At the meeting members will be told that a wide range of responses are being considered across the county, including unitary models ranging from one authority covering Lancashire, through to two, three, four, or five unitary council models.

There are also views that oppose the principle of reorganisation.

Ms Williamson said: "Cabinet will be able to consider the initial response to government, and the wide range of views across the county, recognising that we are not being asked to identify a preferred option at this early stage.

"In the meantime, we remain focused on delivering excellent services, implementing our new Council Plan and maximising the opportunities that new devolved powers for Lancashire through the Combined County Authority will bring."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.