If the government goes ahead with plans for local government reorganisation, the council prefers a model that would see four councils being created to provide local government services in Lancashire.
The proposed model would see the areas of South Ribble, Chorley and West Lancashire covered under a new unitary council, working alongside three other newly established unitary councils across the county.
The government has set a timeline for Lancashire councils to produce a preferred option for local government reorganisation by the end of November, asking for proposals to move from the current two-tier system of a county council, two smaller unitary councils and 12 district councils, to a simpler model of fewer unitary councils.
Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, “This is going to be one of the most significant changes to local government in Lancashire since the inception of the district councils in 1974.
“We want to ensure we are in the strongest possible position to deliver quality services for our residents. Therefore, if Local Government Reorganisation is to happen, the council’s preferred option is for a four unitary model.
“I have been a member of South Ribble Council for over 20 years and I’m proud of the things we deliver. It’s important to acknowledge that we are not campaigning for this change, but it’s clear that the government is set on this path. Therefore, as we are being asked to state what we would prefer the future to look like if change happens, it is incumbent on us to engage with that process.
“The proposed boundaries of the four unitary model would see the areas of South Ribble, West Lancashire and Chorley serving around 350,000 residents under one unitary council. It would mean we are still able work closely with our communities and retain a strong local voice. We already have a strong track record of working closely with our neighbours and there are synergies across each area, with each having similar sized towns, and mixes of rural and urban areas.”
Released in December last year, the English Devolution White Paper outlines the government’s desire to work with councils to move to simpler structures, unlocking economic growth and creating sustainable public services.
Councillor Tomlinson continued, “It’s important to remember that this is a preferred option only. As proposals develop, the best option for South Ribble may change over time based on feedback from residents, stakeholders, neighbouring areas and the government.
“This now starts a process of us working with the other authorities who share our preferred option to develop a proposal that we can use to consult on and later submit to Government.”
Additional information
South Ribble Borough Council’s preferred four unitary model proposes the following make up of areas across Lancashire:
1. South Ribble, West Lancashire, Chorley
2. Fylde, Wyre, Blackpool
3. Lancaster, Preston, Ribble Valley
4. Blackburn, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Pendle, Burnley