Agenda item

Option 1: Submit a proposal for a unitary council for The Bay

Advantages: This would mean that the opportunity and benefits of a unitary council, based on the footprint of the three councils around The Bay, would remain on the table and be considered by Government. Delivery of The Bay Prosperity and Resilience Strategy would be enhanced by unitary status with further influence over budgets and delivery of services on The Bay footprint. The district, representing the interests of its residents and businesses, will have a direct role in influencing development of unitary proposals building on between the strong relationships between the three councils, existing joint working arrangements and a shared health services footprint. The draft Outline Proposal at Appendix A highlights in more detail the economic, social and environmental benefits and opportunities which could be realised for residents and businesses.

Disadvantages: The benefits and opportunities highlighted in the draft Outline Proposal would be foregone if a proposal were not submitted as The Bay option will no longer be on the table. By not submitting a proposal, the Council would significantly reduce its influence in the reorganisation of local government and the ability to achieve reform rather than simply structural change. If The Bay option is no longer on the table, the default option for Lancaster district will be, if matters proceed further, to become part of a North Lancashire/ Blackpool unitary, for which no case has been made but which appears to offer few benefits for the district, in terms of building on shared services, TTWAs, economic and community links, shared purpose and strategy, other than at the pan Lancashire level.

Risks: The high-level case does not meet government requirements. This will be mitigated by ensuring compliance with criteria is clear and a compelling case is made based on evidence and public opinion. The three councils have secured strong external advice to ensure criteria can be met. Proposal does not gain support of local bodies and the public. Early communications suggest strong support for the proposal but further detailed engagement will highlight the views of partners and public. The councils would not wish to submit a proposal without strong local support Page 9 Local government reform distracts from other priorities. Although this is not an ideal time, the government has set the timetable for these developments and the Council can prioritise work to ensure the right arrangements that secure the best benefits for residents, for the short, medium and long term future, are agreed for the district.

 Option 2: Do not submit a proposal for a unitary council for The Bay

 Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Not submitting a proposal would mean that the opportunity and benefits of a unitary council, based on the footprint of the three councils around The Bay, would not be considered by Government alongside other proposals submitted. The benefits and opportunities identified in the draft outline proposal will not be realised for residents and businesses, if a proposal were not submitted. By not submitting a proposal, the Council would significantly reduce its influence in the reorganisation of local government. Loss of potential benefits to residents and businesses. If a proposal for The Bay is not submitted, it is understood that the Council will become part of a North Lancashire/ Blackpool unitary proposal, for which there does not appear to be any evidence that string economic, social and environmental benefits, equivalent to those identified for The Bay proposal, can be delivered.

Risks: The option of a North Lancashire / Blackpool unitary has not been developed and Lancashire has not been invited to submit at this early stage. However, if The Bay option does not remain on the table, this would be the only option available. There is no meaningful way to assess the impact of this on the district. Loss of local determination. If The Bay proposal is not submitted, local residents are likely to have no choice in terms of future unitary arrangements.