Have Your Say On Future Of Local Government In Lancashire

Ribble Valley Borough Council could be abolished by 2028 in the biggest shake-up of local government in over 50 years.

Currently, Lancashire County Council provides services such as social care, education, roads and libraries, while district and borough councils manage services such as recycling and refuse collection, planning, housing and leisure.

Unitary authorities in Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen deliver all of their services.

The Government wants to dissolve councils in Lancashire and replace them with single-tier authorities delivering all services.

All of Lancashire's 15 councils are now working together to develop proposals for what these new authorities might look like.

And they are calling on residents, businesses and community organisations to have their say in a short survey.

Questions include what your experience of council services has been and what you think about the creation of the new unitary authorities, including the benefits and opportunities, as well as concerns.

The answers will help councils shape their proposals, which must be submitted to the Government by November 28.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Simon Hore said:

“Although the council believes that our residents are best served by the current system of local government in Lancashire, they can rest assured that we will be fighting for the best outcome for the borough if reorganisation goes ahead

 

“It is important that residents and businesses make their views heard in the survey on the future of local government in Lancashire.”

A range of options for the creation of two to five unitary councils in Lancashire are being considered.

The proposals must demonstrate:

• Stronger local leadership
• Improved service delivery and outcomes
• Value for money and financial sustainability
• Economic growth and prosperity
• Community identity and effective local partnerships

The Government is expected to lead a public consultation on the proposals early next year with a preferred option selected in the summer.

New elections for the shadow authorities could take place in May 2027 with the new councils taking over services on April 1 2028.

Parish and town councils will not be affected by the proposed changes.

To take part in the survey visit givemyview.com/lancashirelgr or Lancashire libraries in person.

Paper copies are available at the Ribble Valley Borough Council Offices in Church Walk, Clitheroe, or by phoning 0300 1236701.