Pendle councillors across all groups have backed a call for new talks between local councils and MPs on the best future for local democracy, council services and voter-accountability following Westminster proposals to merge or abolish some English councils.
Lancashire risks local developments going to pot and public confusion about who represents them if smaller councils are axed for the sake of devolution - it has been claimed.
Pendle councillors debated these at their latest full meeting. Lib-Dem Coun David Whipp, the borough's deputy leader, put forward a motion calling for talks. He suggested MP Oliver Ryan had proposed a 'monster council' for all east Lancashire including Blackburn with Darwen. But no discussions were held with Pendle councillors beforehand, Coun Whipp said.
"Pendle should work with Burnley, Rossendale and Ribble Valley councils to get the best outcome. And we want our two MPs to work with us. This is about residents' keeping local control and keeping decision-making as close as possible to the people. Fellow Lib-Dem Tom Whipp said there was still time to get a 'least-worst' option on council reforms. He said: "The government will still consider creating new unitary authorities with populations less than 500,000. Rural areas around Pendle need to be considered. But we need to make the case quickly and seriously. That's the only way we can avoid what has happened in North Yorkshire.
'Carve-up for political gain' Conservative Coun Ash Sutcliffe, both a borough and county councillor, said: "I agree with many comments but people are confusing devolution with local government reform. I want devolution, with more powers, but that does not necessarily need to be about local government reform.
"Ribble Valley Council is talking about a public referendum. I agree we should talk to neighbouring authorities. This is about democracy."
DEVOLUTION LOCAL GOVERNMENT Lancashire PENDLE COUNCIL WHITE PAPER
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