Published Thursday 5 March 2026 at 17:10
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has confirmed its continued support for a three-unitary authority model (3UA) as the Government’s statutory consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Lancashire moves forward.
The Government opened the consultation on 5 February 2026, setting out five possible options for reorganisation across Lancashire. These include a 2 Unitary Authority (2UA), 3UA, two 4UAs, (one with boundary changes), and a 5UA model. All are now subject to feedback from stakeholders until the consultation closes at 11:59pm on 26 March 2026.
Blackburn with Darwen will submit its consultation response following approval by the Council’s Executive Board, next week.
Why the Council supports the three-unitary-authority model
The Council’s response outlines clear evidence that the three-unitary model is the only proposal that meets all the tests set by the Government. The 3 unitary model – Costal, Central and Pennine Lancashire, aligns closely with existing administrative, economic, and partnership geographies, offering:
- A smoother transition for residents, service users and partners
- Clear accountability and improved public understanding of local government structures
- Resilient and efficient services, based on existing partnership arrangements
- Realistic savings
- A stronger strategic voice for Lancashire in future devolution conversations
The Council’s analysis indicates that the alternative options do not clearly meet all the Government’s criteria. It believes the 3UA model offers the right balance, recognising the traditional geographies and ways of working across all of Lancashire which is not evident in the other proposals.
These involve the creation of very large authorities which do not reflect those existing ways of working and may present diseconomies of scale, or a number of smaller authorities, which will fragment service delivery and are unlikely to deliver efficiencies and financial sustainability.
Engagement during the consultation
The Government has contacted key stakeholders across Lancashire directly, and Blackburn with Darwen Council has also shared consultation details with local partners. Copies of all proposals and consultation materials are available in both Blackburn and Darwen Town Halls, as well as the main public libraries.
Next steps
After the consultation concludes, the Government is expected to review all responses and announce its preferred option in summer 2026. Elections to new shadow authorities are anticipated in 2027, ahead of the establishment of new Councils in 2028.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Phil Riley, said: “We believe the three-unitary model offers the strongest and most sustainable future for Lancashire. It provides stability for residents and services and ensures the county can move forward with confidence, particularly as we pursue further devolution.
“We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the consultation and will continue to work constructively with Government and partners.”
For more information on the proposals, visit: About Local Government Reorganisation – Lancashire Local Government Reorganisation