Local Government Reorganisation
The Government wants to change how local councils are organised across England. This is called Local Government Reorganisation.
It means that the current system of county, district, borough, and unitary councils could be replaced by new unitary authorities. These new councils would run all local services in their area.
This change is part of the Government’s plan set out in its 2024 White Paper. Lancashire was asked to send its proposals to the Government by 28 November 2025.
On Wednesday 27th November, city councillors voted to support the option that would see the creation of four new unitary councils in Lancashire. This, if approved, would see Lancaster join with the local authorities in Ribble Valley and Preston to form a new council.
You can read the full business case for this proposal that was considered by full council and cabinet by visiting our minutes and meetings page.
In total, five proposals for reorganisation on Lancashire have been submitted and the Government is now asking people and local stakeholders for their views. To find out more and take part in the consultation, visit www.lancashirelgr.co.uk. The consultation closes on 26 March.
Below is more information on Local Government Reorganisation and how it will affect the Lancaster district.
LGR refers to the process of changing how councils are structured and what services they deliver. In Lancashire, this means potentially replacing the current two-tier system (county and district councils) with new unitary authorities that deliver all local services.
The Government has outlined its ambition to devolve more powers to regions and streamline local governance by replacing the current two tier system with a smaller number of unitary councils to deliver all services in one place.
This means Lancaster could become part of a larger council area.
Lancashire has been invited to submit proposals for reorganisation by 28 November 2025.
Currently:
- Lancashire County Council provides services like social care, education, roads, and libraries.
- District councils (e.g. Lancaster City Council) manage bin collections, planning, housing, and leisure.
These would be replaced by one council that would deliver all these services.
If LGR goes ahead, existing councils will be dissolved and replaced by new unitary authorities. This would mean that Lancaster City Council would no longer exist and in its place there would be a new larger council representing a greater geographical area.
Options being considered include creating between two and five new unitary councils.
Possible two new unitary model
Possible four unitary model v1 (Lancaster City Council's preferred proposal)
Possible four unitary model v2
Most staff are expected to transfer to the new councils. The aim is to maintain service continuity and job security throughout the transition.
It’s too early to say. Any changes to council tax would depend on the structure and financial model of the new unitary authorities. Proposals must demonstrate value for money and financial sustainability.
Services will continue as normal for now. If reorganisation goes ahead, new councils will take over all services, including bin collections, planning, social care, and education.
LGR focuses on how councils are structured and deliver services. Devolution is about transferring powers from central government to local areas. While related, they are separate processes.
- September/October 2025: Public engagement
- November 2025: Proposal submission
- Early 2026: Government consultation
- Summer 2026: Preferred option selected
- May 2027: Elections for shadow councils
- April 2028: New councils go live
Government will conduct its own consultation in 2026 and it is expected that people will have another opportunity to put forward their views.
Last updated: 05 February 2026