Preston City Council leader Councillor Matthew Brown has unveiled ambitious plans aimed at redefining local governance in Lancashire by proposing a significant expansion of Preston’s borough boundaries. This initiative, which is aimed at creating a ‘Greater Preston’, would encompass various areas from neighboring councils, notably targeting regions such as Ribble Valley, South Ribble, and Wyre. This bold reimagining of local authority boundaries is part of a broader effort to pitch to the government for a redrawing of Lancashire’s borough maps, thus potentially altering the political landscape of the region.
Councillor Brown’s vision includes not only integrating parts of Longridge, Mellor, and Balderstone into Preston but also absorbing key economic areas such as Samlesbury, which is home to substantial sites for major employers like BAE Systems and Budweiser. The proposed changes would also extend to areas including Bamber Bridge, Longton, and Penwortham in South Ribble, as well as Garstang from Wyre. Should these plans come to fruition, the total population of Preston could swell from its current figure of approximately 156,000 to an impressive 250,000, creating a robust economic area that Cllr Brown insists makes logical sense for administration, health services, urban planning, and housing development.
This proposal comes on the heels of recent discussions among the leaders of South Ribble and Chorley councils, who have advanced the idea of merging their own authorities with that of West Lancashire Borough Council. Notably, this merger proposal, submitted to the government last week, does not include Preston, even though the city is typically regarded as part of the Central Lancashire region, alongside South Ribble and Chorley. These discussions have set the stage for a significant reshaping of local governance, catalyzed by a call from the majority of Lancashire’s Labour MPs for a radical overhaul of the county’s local authorities. This movement advocates for reducing the number of local councils from the existing 15 to a more manageable three or four, along with the introduction of an elected mayor for Lancashire.
The proposed restructuring envisions “unitary” authorities that would be responsible for all local services, such as education, transport, and social services, thus eliminating the current two-tier system that separates county councils and district councils. By consolidating these services within larger geographic areas, the hope is to streamline operations, encourage collaboration, and ultimately enhance service delivery for residents.
However, Cllr Brown’s bold initiative goes beyond mere council mergers predicated on existing boundaries. In a letter sent to local government minister Jim McMahon, he articulated a vision for a new local authority layout that not only merges existing councils but also creates entirely new geographies for local governance. “Preston is the administrative headquarters of the county,” Cllr Brown asserted, emphasizing that a ‘Greater Preston’ would logically link together a cohesive economic area that fosters smart administration and community development.
Furthermore, the proposed expansion aims to address issues related to economic growth and job creation. Cllr Brown strongly believes that a larger Preston unitary authority could lead to a more dynamic economic environment, potentially transforming the city into a key destination for businesses and residents alike. The additional population of around 89,000 would significantly alter the economic landscape, providing greater opportunities for investment and development while leveraging resources and infrastructure more efficiently.
While Cllr Brown maintains his focus on creating a ‘Greater Preston’ area, he remains aware of the government’s potential preferences for maintaining the current local government boundaries. Should the government lean toward existing delineations, he expresses openness to discussions regarding a potential merger with Lancaster and Ribble Valley. Notably, he perceives “synergies” between Preston and Lancaster, as both cities host universities and share similarities in terms of culture, needs, and aspirations.
Moreover, Cllr Brown’s letter highlights Preston’s status as an innovative and pioneering city, proclaiming it to be the “economic, administrative, employment, and academic heart of Lancashire.” He emphasizes the significance of Preston as a “net importer of jobs,” reinforcing the city’s position as a primary commuter destination in the region. According to the Lancashire Independent Economic Review, this distinction underlines the city’s role in attracting talent and fostering economic vitality, which is key to its future growth and sustainability.
Despite the momentum behind the expansion proposal, Cllr Brown acknowledges the challenges posed by larger thought processes regarding local governance in Lancashire. Additionally, he raised concerns that if Preston were to become part of a more expansive borough of over 500,000 inhabitants, the city’s unique character might be overshadowed. Cllr Brown champions Preston’s distinct emphasis on public ownership, tackling social inequalities, prioritizing living wage jobs, and nurturing the social economy, elements he fears could diminish in a larger administrative context.
The call for reform and the proposal for an expanded Preston cannot be divorced from the broader socio-political context shaping local governance. For many residents, concerns regarding representation, service delivery, and local identity loom large when discussions of council mergers and rearrangements arise. Changes in governance structure can affect local communities deeply, making it essential for elected officials and residents alike to have constructive dialogues about proposals that could reshape their everyday lives.
In conclusion, Councillor Matthew Brown’s plan for a ‘Greater Preston’ represents a visionary attempt to strategically reshape the local governance landscape of Lancashire. By envisioning a larger, more integrated Preston that brings together various neighboring areas, Cllr Brown aims to harness the benefits of economic collaboration, improved services, and cohesive community development. As discussions around local governance and authority reform continue to evolve, the decisions made in the coming months may have far-reaching implications for the future of Preston and its residents. With opportunities for growth, challenges of identity, and the aspirations of communities lingering in the balance, the outcome of discussions regarding the reshaping of local governance in Lancashire remains to be seen.