Decision details

Option 1: Submit the proposal to government by 9 December 2020

 Advantages: The Bay unitary option remains on the table to be considered by government. The preferences of our residents and stakeholders are supported. Builds on the strong relationship with the Bay authorities and partners. Potential for benefits and opportunities for our residents and businesses, opportunities for shared priorities and outcomes across the Bay area, more sustainable services working with connected communities, integrated health and social care reform. Provides a greater opportunity to deliver the economic prosperity and growth identified in The Bay Prosperity and Resilience Strategy, sooner and at scale Potential for a louder voice with government with opportunities to influence policy developments, funding priorities and investment. Potential for a coordinated Bay wide approach to climate change action. Potential for more devolved funding and responsibilities as a unitary council within a Combined Authority area.

Disadvantages: Moving forwards, a great deal of work will be required but there will be the opportunity to plan and resource this well.

Risks: There is a risk that the Bay proposal is not supported by government. All possible steps have been taken to ensure a strong proposal is made.

Option 2: Do not submit the proposal to government

Advantages: None. No obvious advantages, particularly as the option to remain as a single district is unlikely to continue as local government reorganisation and devolution plans develop at the national government level.

Disadvantages: The Bay unitary proposal will not be considered by government and the district will have significantly less influence on any future unitary developments. Lost opportunity to deliver benefits and outcomes for our residents and businesses, develop for shared priorities and outcomes across the Bay area, more sustainable services working with connected communities, integrated health and social care reform. The unitary proposal preferred by most residents cannot be progressed. Reduced opportunity to achieve a louder voice with government to influence policy developments, funding priorities and investment. The Council’s influence on local government reorganisation would be significantly reduced. Lost opportunity to bring additional devolved funds and responsibilities into the district and the wider Bay area sooner than would otherwise be possible. Lost opportunity for a coordinated Bay wide approach to climate change action.

Risks: If the Bay proposal is not submitted, early discussions for reorganisation in Lancashire suggest the district could become part of a NW Lancashire potential unitary. Although not fully assessed this model does not present opportunities to build on shared economic functioning areas, Travel to Work/ Learn areas or a shared health footprint. The case therefore carries uncertainty and risk.