The Lancashire (Boroughs of Blackburn and Blackpool) (Structural Change) Order 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order gives effect to recommendations by the Local Government Commission for England in respect of the structure of local government in the county of Lancashire (“Lancashire”).

Article 3 effects two structural changes by providing for the transfer, on 1st April 1998, of the functions of Lancashire County Council in relation to the borough of Blackburn (“Blackburn”) and the borough of Blackpool (“Blackpool”) to their respective councils.

Article 4 makes provision for the purposes of subordinate legislation which may be made under the Fire Services Act 1947 in respect of fire services.

Article 5 makes provision in relation to the structure plan applying to Lancashire. It also makes provision to enable the local plan prepared by the councils of Blackburn and Blackpool under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to contain minerals and waste policies.

Article 6 provides for Blackburn and Blackpool to cease to form part of Lancashire on 1st April 1998 and for new counties of Blackburn and Blackpool to be constituted on that date (but without county councils).

Article 7 makes provision for whole council elections in Blackburn and Blackpool in 1997. It also provides for councillors so elected for Blackburn to revert to retirement by thirds and for councillors elected for Blackpool in 1997 to retire in 2000 and those elected in 2000 to retire in 2003.

Article 8 makes provision for the suspension of county council elections in 1997 in electoral divisions in Blackburn and Blackpool and extends the term of office of councillors for such divisions until 1st April 1998. It also makes provision in respect of casual vacancies in the office of councillor of the local authorities affected by this order.