Lancashire County Council has asked the Government to delay the county’s planned local government reorganisation, warning that rushing the process could put key services at risk.
A letter to Local Government Secretary Steve Reed from the council leader, Stephen Atkinson, and opposition group leaders’ requests postponing the shake-up until 2029 or 2030 to allow more time for careful consideration.
The letter reportedly highlights the complexity of merging council geographies and the need to ensure the viability of services such as social care.
In a statement, Cllr Atkinson said that 63% of respondents to a recent survey said they wanted to keep the current local government structure.
He added: ‘Since taking office in May, I have also reached out to Government to discuss the pace of any changes which may take place in the county.
‘It is important that any reorganisation is done with the interests of our residents and businesses at the very heart of the decision-making process.’
Local authorities face a 28 November deadline to submit local government reorganisation proposals. Lancashire is expected to present up to five options, ranging from two to five new councils, including two variations of a four-authority model.
Want to learn more about local government reorganisation? Check out: Local Government Reorganisation: What It Means and Why It Matters.
