Lancashire LGR (Local Government Reorganisation) decision published by LGRL
20th of July, 2026
Dear Partner,
As you will be aware, councils in Lancashire have been working with the Government to
deliver Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) – the biggest change to local government in
the county for more than 50 years. LGR will replace Lancashire's current councils with larger
unitary councils, bringing all local government services together under one authority so that
residents, businesses and partners deal with a single council for their area.
Today marks an important step on that journey. The Secretary of State, Steve Reed OBE,
has announced that LGR in Lancashire will take the form of four new unitary councils, as
shown below:
Subject to Parliamentary approval, the 15 existing Lancashire councils – the County Council,
two existing unitary councils and 12 district councils – will be abolished and replaced. Strong
collaboration is already in place across these councils, and we will work together to plan and
deliver the transition to the new arrangements, the establishment of the new councils and
future service delivery.
Our focus remains on delivering strong, sustainable services and the best possible
outcomes for our residents and communities. There will be no immediate change to the
services we provide, and residents will continue to access them in exactly the same way.
Each of the 15 existing councils will operate as it does now until 31 March 2028, when the
new authorities come into effect.
While we discuss the further details of the new councils with Government, our readiness
activity continues across a range of areas to ensure we deliver to the Government's timeline.
All Lancashire Chief Executives have committed to an implementation programme that will
secure the timely and safe transfer of services to the new councils. These arrangements will
be formalised by the Government over the coming months and into 2027.
In the meantime, we will begin preparations for elections to shadow councils, to be held in
May 2027. Councillors elected to the shadow councils will oversee the preparatory work for
the new authorities, supported by a team of officers from the existing councils, ahead of the
new unitary councils formally coming into effect on 1 April 2028.
Strong partnerships are vital for the success of the new councils. As a valued partner, you
will be kept informed as the design of the new councils and their services develops, and we
will be in touch with more detail as we reach each milestone in Lancashire's LGR journey.
More information is available on the LGR website at www.lancashirelgr.co.uk.
We would be happy to contribute to any meetings or events taking place at your organisation
about what LGR means for Lancashire. Please contact my office using the details below, or
your local Chief Executive's office.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.