MP calls for debate on South Lakeland unitary council

Following on from the news that Chorley Council is looking at becoming a unitary authority, South Lakes MP has called for a public debate on whether South Lakeland should become the same.

Chorley Council has announced plans to become a unitary authority to "deliver services more effectively".

The borough council has held talks with Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles about the move. Under the current two-tier structure, Lancashire County Council (LCC) runs 85% of services, including schools, highways and social services.

South Lakeland's population is only 3900 people smaller than Chorley.

Tim has previously called for the re-creation of 'Westmorland County Council' bringing together both Eden and South Lakeland authorities in a new unitary council. Tim has repeated his calls for a debate on the issue following the potential removal of the veto of Cumbria County Council over the Geological Disposal Facility, the rise of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership as the major economic driver within the county and the government idea of localism.

Tim said: "We are all looking at Chorley council and I think that this could offer us real opportunities for South Lakeland. We have virtually the same population as Chorley and I think if we had the powers of the county council, we could do even more.

"I believe in devolving power down, so if we can bring powers from Carlisle back to our communities, this is something I would wholeheartedly support."