Burnley Council rejects merger with Blackburn with Darwen

Burnley Council has formally opposed a merger with Blackburn with Darwen, stating it prefers five separate unitary authorities instead of two. The council's ruling executive voted to send this preference to the government. Previously, Burnley's full budget council rejected plans for a large unitary authority, emphasizing the need for separate councils for Burnley and Blackburn. The executive also supported submitting a high-level interim plan for local government reorganization in Lancashire. Blackburn with Darwen Council's leader acknowledged that the existing councils would not back a single proposal for reorganization. He indicated that leaders are preparing a response to the government, but it will be general to gain consensus among all councils.