In 1998 Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen became independent of the county as unitary authorities, but remained in Lancashire for ceremonial purposes, including the provision of fire, rescue and policing.
I 1998 blev Blackpool og Blackburn med Darwen selvstændige amter, de såkaldt unitary authorities, men forblev i Lancashire rent ceremonielt af historiske årsager, ligesom for brand, redningstjeneste og politi.