The Government has urged Lancashire's 15 main councils to work together to agree a plan for local government reorganisation.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has written to the county’s council leaders saying that ‘effective collaboration’ would be ‘crucial’ ahead of the final reorganisation deadline in November.
The letter, which has been seen by the BBC, added, ‘we would encourage you to continue to build strong relationships and agree ways of working’.
In March, council leaders said there was no clear consensus on reorganisation but added that proposals would be submitted by November.
Cllr Stephen Atkinson, the leader of the Reform UK-led Lancashire County Council, last week called for a referendum on adopting a mayor as part of the Government’s overhaul of local government.
Lancashire has adopted a combined county authority under its devolution deal but does not currently have a mayor.