The government has opted to create four unitary authorities as part of local government reorganisation for Lancashire.
The ‘Four Unitary Option A’ creates four council areas – South Lancashire, North Lancashire, Pennine Lancashire and the Fylde Coast.
My constituency is already split between different councils and that will carry on, with constituents in Preston and Ribble Valley catered for by North Lancashire and South Ribble residents falling under South Lancashire.
I backed this model because these four areas reflect key geographical areas and strategic focuses of different parts of the county. By grouping areas with shared challenges and opportunities, each unitary authority can focus on the priorities that best represent its communities and strengths.
Now I’ll be working with the existing leaders of Lancashire County Council, Preston City Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council and South Ribble Borough Council and the new North Lancashire and South Lancashire authorities to ensure a smooth transition.
Ultimately, I still believe most residents don’t mind too much how these unitary authorities are structured, as long as basic services like filling in potholes, collecting bins and support for SEND in schools are delivered well.
I’m hoping the average resident sees very little disruption, but I also hope those services will be improved by closer working, which local government reorganisation was designed to tackle.
I look forward to the shadow elections in May 2027, which will be used to elect shadow councillors who will work alongside existing councillors for a year until the unitary authorities come to full power in 2028.
I know this process is confusing, so if anyone has any questions please email me at maya.ellis.casework@parliament.uk and I’ll try to clarify the process going forward.
