Agenda item

It was moved by Councillor Charlie Briggs that;

“Council notes changes to the criteria for the creation of Unitary Authorities used by the Department of Communities and Local Government, which means proposals for new ones no longer need the support of all the Councils affected.

Council also notes the strong indications that a unilateral proposal for an

authority is likely to be submitted covering the Pennine area of Lancashire and that the Member of Parliament for Burnley supports such a body.

This Council believes abolishing existing local councils and imposing a Unitary Authority centred on Blackburn will lead to the loss of any true local control on local matters by local residents and their representatives.

Therefore, Council resolves to oppose proposals for such a Pennine Lancashire Unitary Authority”.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.7(a) Councillor Briggs proposed an ALTERED motion as follows, and this was consented to by the meeting and then seconded by Councillor Margaret Lishman;  

“Council notes changes to the criteria for the creation of Unitary Authorities used by the Department of Communities and Local Government, which means proposals for new ones no longer need the support of all the Councils affected.

Council also notes that a unilateral proposal for an

authority has been submitted covering the Pennine area of Lancashire.

This Council believes abolishing existing local councils and imposing a Unitary Authority centred on Blackburn will lead to the loss of any true local control on local matters by local residents and their representatives.

Therefore, Council resolves to oppose proposals for such a Pennine Lancashire Unitary Authority.”

An amendment was moved by Cllr Mark Townsend and seconded by Cllr John Harbour that;

“Council notes changes to the criteria for the creation of Unitary Authorities used by the Department of Communities and Local Government, which means proposals for new ones no longer need the support of all the Councils affected. This Council firmly believes that all Councils impacted by any proposals should have their views heard.

Council also notes that a unilateral proposal for an authority has been submitted covering the Pennine area of Lancashire by Blackburn with Darwen Council. In response to this there are strong indications from Lancashire County Council that they will come forward with their own alternative proposals covering the whole of Lancashire if Government are minded to positively consider the Pennine proposal.

This Council believes abolishing existing local councils and imposing a Unitary Authority centred on Preston or Blackburn will lead to a dilution of local control on local matters by local residents and their representatives.

Therefore, Council resolves to participate in discussions on unitary authorities but make clear to all parties that it opposes proposals for authorities that

a. Suggest the creation of a Blackburn Centric Pennine Lancashire Unitary Authority, or

b. Suggest the transfer of any powers, financial control or service delivery responsibilities from Burnley Council toa Preston centric Lancashire wide authority.”

In accordance with Council procedure Rule 13(k) a motion was carried to ADJOURN the meeting for 10 minutes.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.4(a) a recorded vote was taken on the amendment.

On being put to the vote the amendment was declared to be carried and became the substantive motion.

On being put to the vote the substantive motion was declared to be carried and it was RESOLVED accordingly.