Decision
Analysis
outcome: Recommendations were approved by the Executive Board.
summary: The decision involves responding to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, appointing a Chief Executive as Returning Officer, and confirming Councillor numbers and warding arrangements.
topline: The Executive Board has decided to respond to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and make key appointments for the new Pennine Lancashire unitary authority.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious due to the potential impact on local governance structures and the allocation of resources.
affected_stakeholders: ["Chief Executives of Lancashire Councils", "Leader of the Council", "Councillors", "Residents of Blackburn with Darwen area"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are implications of political influence as the decision involves government departments and the appointment of officials.
URL: https://democracy.blackburn.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1394
Decision Maker: Executive Board
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: RESOLVED: That the Executive Board: 1. Notes that a proposed joint response from the Chief Executives of all 15 Lancashire Councils to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is being prepared for submission by August 17th, 2026. 2. Delegates authority to the Chief Executive to finalise the response to MCHLG in consultation with the Leader of the Council. 3. Notes the appointment of this Council’s Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service, as the Returning Officer for the new Pennine Lancashire unitary authority as requested by MHCLG. 4. Notes the proposed Councillor numbers and interim warding arrangements across the Blackburn with Darwen area, subject to a decision of the Secretary of State which will be confirmed in the Structural Changes Order (SCO).
Date of Decision: August 13, 2026