Wyre leader explains choice for reorganisation plans

Wyre Council has released a new statement about a proposed merger with Blackpool as part of government reorganisation plans – but the authority has a different vision than its near neighbour.

The Government intends to abolish the current two-tier system of 15 councils across Lancashire by creating new unitary councils that will provide all local services.

These Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals aim to simplify and streamline services – but the changes are mandatory rather than optional.

Wyre council says it is not in favour of the plans but must come up with its preferred option by the end of next week.

And, favouring a three-unitary authority plan, Wyre backs the Coastal Lancashire model, which would see it combining with Blackpool, Fylde and Lancaster (serving approxinatelky 493,000 people).

Wyre differs from Blackpool in its preference, which wants to merge with Preston rather than Lancaster.

Lancashire’s authorities must submit their proposals to Government by November 28 2025, outlining potential options for creating new unitary authorities.

Wyre, which holds a special meeting tonight to discuss the proposals, has included its three unitary options for other areas of Lancashire as well, as part of its proposals.

What Wyre leader says

Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council, said: “This represents one of the most significant changes to local government in Lancashire in more than 50 years.

“We do not welcome this change and do not believe it to be in the best interests of our residents, but we have been required to submit a proposal.

“The government have made clear that they intend to proceed with local government reorganisation whether councils and the public support it or not.

“Our preferred option is a three-unitary model, which we believe strikes the right balance between delivering efficient services, maintaining strong local representation, and meeting the Government’s criteria. It provides the most effective solution to meet all six of those criteria, reflects how Lancashire’s economy, services and communities already operate, and offers the best platform for a successful future.”

Wyre says its model for Lancashire will see the region split into three-unitary authorities, designed to deliver services efficiently while maintaining a strong local voice and brings together areas with common ground in tourism, industry, transport, energy, and coastal matters.

For Lancashire, this model will save £188.4 million by 2032, keep strong local identities for our unique towns,mirror how police, health & other organisations work and ensure services stay close to local communities

Proposed new three-unitary models:

• Coastal Lancashire – Blackpool, Fylde, Lancaster and Wyre (approx. 493,000 people). A hub for tourism, clean energy and innovation, home to Blackpool’s visitor economy, Heysham’s energy cluster and Lancaster University.
• Central Lancashire – Chorley, Preston, South Ribble and West Lancashire (approx. 522,000 people). Strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, digital and agri-tech, supported by major investment and transport links.
• Pennine Lancashire – Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale (approx. 586,000 people). A nationally significant centre for advanced manufacturing, aerospace and green industries.

Wyre council added: “People want councils that provide reliable, high-quality services and are committed to helping the region thrive. They expect their local authority to understand their area, its opportunities, and its challenges and the three-unitary model is designed to deliver exactly that.”

Timeline for proposed changes

• 20 November – Proposal debated by Full Council
• 26 November – Executive Council approval
• 28 November – Submission to Government
• Spring 2026 – Statutory consultation
• Summer 2026 – Government decision
• May 2027 – Shadow elections
• 1 April 2028 – New councils go live

There is an indicative timeline that we are working towards, and we will provide regular updates on Wyre’s website at www.wyre.gov.uk/LGR