Lancashire MPs Propose Abolishing All 15 County Councils

A collective of Members of Parliament is advocating for the dissolution of all 15 councils within a specific county, aiming to establish a more streamlined local governance system. These Labour MPs have formally communicated with the government, proposing the substitution of Lancashire’s existing councils with a mere three or four local authorities and the establishment of a Lancashire mayor. According to their statement, each successor entity would be responsible for providing all services within its designated territory, thereby eliminating the current division of responsibilities between county and district bodies. Nevertheless, leaders of the affected councils have either dismissed these suggestions or demanded a public vote on the concept, with one individual characterizing the proposal as “civic vandalism”. Oliver Ryan, the Member of Parliament for Burnley, has authored a report detailing this new initiative, asserting: “Our time is now.” He added: “The new government has a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver for Lancashire.” Ryan further stated: “With ambition, vision and political bravery, we must grasp the challenge set for us by the electorate in the 2024 election and deliver a future fit for the red rose county.” In September, political figures within the county reached a devolution agreement with the government, intending to establish a combined authority in the upcoming year. However, the communication from the MPs – which was reviewed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service – characterizes the existing agreement as not being “ambitious enough”. It further contends that the county requires adequate resources and authority “to tackle the great issues of our time”, citing examples such as health and social care services, transport, regeneration, and growth. The proposed scheme by the MPs envisions the elimination of Lancashire County Council, the twelve district councils, and also Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen councils within an 18-month timeframe. This initiative would also result in a significant decrease in the number of councillors, currently numbering nearly 700. The majority of the county’s Members of Parliament support this plan. Conversely, Michael Vincent, the Conservative leader of Wyre Council, asserted that there was “no evidence” to suggest the proposed streamlined system would be superior and advocated for a referendum. He stated: “This was not in the government’s manifesto – this is not something they have a mandate to do.” Vincent concluded: “So we’ll take our position based on what the people of Wyre want.” Stephen Atkinson, the Tory leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council, labeled the proposal “civic vandalism”. He argued that “more remote decision making” would “remove local democracy”. Matthew Brown, who leads the Labour-controlled Preston City Council, commented: “I feel an imposition from central government – without a further and final attempt to get agreement on new structures – won’t be well received across the county.” A representative for the three authorities that endorsed the existing devolution agreement – Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council, and Blackburn with Darwen Council – indicated that the three entities considered the accord with the government to be “in the best interests of Lancashire”. The spokesperson added: “Already £20m has been released to support projects that we know will make a difference and create much needed employment.” The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government issued a statement saying: “As part of the biggest transfer of power from Westminster, we want to better support councils that want to move to simpler structures that make sense for their areas and where that better meets the needs of local people.” It further noted that additional information would be provided in the forthcoming English Devolution White Paper.