Residents in Blackpool, Lancashire, have until 26 March 2026 to share their views on major plans to scrap the town’s current council and replace it with a new unitary authority system. This public consultation will decide how services like bin collections and road repairs are managed across the county starting from 2028.
Under the proposals, all 15 existing councils in the area would be closed to create a smaller number of authorities that manage all local services in one place. Lancashire County Council, which is currently led by a Reform UK majority, supports a plan to split the county into just two parts, North and South, divided by the River Ribble. This two-authority model is projected to save £391 million over the first five years and £140 million every year after that.
Alternative ideas include a three-authority model which would create a specific coastal hub to serve residents in Blackpool alongside Lancaster, Wyre, and Fylde. If the North-South split is chosen instead, Blackpool Council would be grouped with several other northern towns and cities instead of operating on its own as it does now.
The new government system is expected to be fully operational by April 2028, with the first elections for the new councils held in May 2027. Residents can find more information about the proposed changes through the Preston City Council website and other local government offices before the feedback period closes next month.
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