Councils Across England Discuss Local Government Restructuring

Local government reorganisation is underway in both Lancashire and Oxfordshire as councils respond to a government request for proposals on creating unitary authorities. In Lancashire, all 15 councils are drafting initial plans with a deadline of March 21, leading to final proposals by November 28, 2025. Councillor Phillippa Williamson emphasized the importance of ensuring potential changes benefit local residents, while also acknowledging a variety of views on the reorganisation, ranging from a single unitary council to multiple authorities. Similarly, Oxfordshire councils are collaborating to develop proposals for new unitary structures, also due by November 28, with options including a single council or several unitary authorities. Both regions are focused on maintaining service continuity during this transition. The discussions reflect a broader trend in England towards streamlining local government structures through devolution.