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Lancashire County Council considers legal action over government devolution plans
Overview
Lancashire County Council is considering potential legal action, including a judicial review, regarding government plans to replace the county's 15 local authorities with four new ones by 2028. Although the government paused the transition timetable to check the lawfulness of its processes, the council has sought clarification on the evidence to determine whether to challenge the reforms before statutory time limits apply.
Key points
- Lancashire County Council may pursue legal action against government proposals to shake up local government.
- Devolution plans would replace Lancashire's 15 existing authorities with four new ones by 2028.
- The government paused the transition timetable last month to review whether its processes were lawful.
- The council has sought clarification on the evidence to decide whether to launch a judicial review.
- Council Leader Stephen Atkinson stated that the council has tried to engage constructively with the government, but statutory time limits are driving the legal process.