The following statement was issued in response to Leicester Mercury article of 4 July, 2025

A well-balanced and resident-focussed approach to Local Government Reorganisation continues to be the cornerstone of plans being developed by the seven district and borough councils in Leicestershire and Rutland County Council, in response to instructions from Government.

Council leaders from the eight authorities have reaffirmed their support for the North, City, South proposal which sets out a vision for three balanced and sustainable unitary councils for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area.

This comes after discussions at Leicester City and Leicestershire County Council meetings last week, and comments made in the media about the proposed expansion of the city's boundaries within their two-authority proposals.

The leaders from the borough and district councils and Rutland County Council continue to share the view that two mega councils would be far too remote and inaccessible from the communities they serve and would make a massive and unpopular city boundary change inevitable, with up to 200,000 residents going into an expanded city.

Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council and speaking on behalf of the Leaders of the Leicestershire district and borough councils and Rutland County Council, said: "We firmly believe that the North, City, South proposal offers the best outcome for our communities when we look at the alternative options put forward for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland invitation area. We don't believe the current system is broken but, if it has to change, it is absolutely vital we listen to our communities and get this right for our residents.

"North, City, South would ensure councils remain accountable and closely connected to the people they serve, while also delivering efficiencies and driving economic growth - particularly through devolution and the opportunity to secure greater powers and funding from central government.

"The county and city proposals do not offer a credible solution and would serve to create two mega councils that are too disconnected and distant from the residents, businesses and local organisations we serve.

"We continue to engage with all councils in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland about a number of issues relating to local Government reform and have asked the public a question relating to boundaries as part of our engagement."

The district councils and Rutland County Council are currently engaging with the public on how local services should be delivered in the future. This exercise closes on 20 July. To get involved, visit https://www.northcitysouth.co.uk/get-involved

Under the preference for a three-unitary approach:

• The areas currently served by Charnwood, North West Leicestershire and Melton district and borough councils, and Rutland County Council, would be served by one unitary authority (North Leicestershire and Rutland)
• The areas currently served by Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth and Oadby & Wigston district and borough councils would be served by another unitary authority (South Leicestershire)
• Leicester City would continue to be a unitary authority based on its existing boundaries.

The approach would deliver significant savings and ensure a strong focus on neighbourhoods, community partnerships, and preserving local heritage and civic identities.

The three authorities would have broadly similar populations of 400,000 residents and be part of a strategic authority across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland with an elected Mayor; securing the full benefits of a Devolution Agreement. Read More »

Time is running out to have a say on the future of local councils in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

An engagement exercise is running until 20 July 2025 to gather views on proposals to reduce the number of councils in the area and replace them with larger unitary authorities.

The Government has requested councils in the area develop plans to create new authorities as part of its devolution agenda.

The district and borough councils in Leicestershire and Rutland County Council have submitted to Government their interim North, City, South plan to create three equally-sized unitary councils for the area. The councils say the plan will deliver devolution and see more decision-making powers and funding transferred to local areas from central government

The councils say they have put people and places at the heart of the proposal and focussed on maintaining close contact with communities.

More than 2,400 people have already responded to an online survey and a number of workshops and focus groups have taken place, as well as telephone interviews. However, the councils are keen for more people, organisations and businesses to get involved and have a say.

Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council and speaking on behalf of the Leaders of the Leicestershire district and borough councils and Rutland County Council, said: "We've worked hard to put people and places at the heart of this proposal and during this and earlier engagement work, we have received thousands of comments.

"The response has been amazing, but we want to ensure our communities' voices continue to be heard.

"All the councils involved in the North, City, South proposal would be delighted if you can spare a few minutes before 20 July and help shape the future of public services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

"Whilst we do not think local government is broken, we recognise the Government is intent on change. Therefore, we want to get the best outcomes for our communities."

The North, City, South plan outlines:

• The areas currently served by Charnwood, North West Leicestershire and Melton district and borough councils, and Rutland County Council, would be served by one unitary authority (North Leicestershire and Rutland)
• The areas currently served by Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth and Oadby & Wigston district and borough councils would be served by another unitary authority (South Leicestershire)
• Leicester City would continue to be a unitary authority

The North, City, South group says its plan will:

• Keep councils connected and accountable to local communities
• Simplify services for residents, businesses, and partners
• Protect and support the vulnerable and focus on prevention
• Deliver devolution and economic growth
• Boost efficiency, saving nearly £43 million a year

The importance of preserving Rutland's historic ceremonial county status is also fully recognised in the plan, say the councils.

Following this engagement period, the councils will continue to refine the North, City, South proposal with a view to submitting a final plan to Government in November 2025.

It is anticipated Government will make a final decision on council structures in 2026 and new authorities could be in place by 2028.

For more information about the North, City, South proposal and to have a say, visit www.northcitysouth.co.uk.

Paper copies of the survey are available at the offices of the councils involved in the North, City, South plan - Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth District Council, Melton Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, Rutland County Council.

Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council have also submitted interim plans to Government proposing alternative future council structures. People can find out more about their plans on their websites. Read More »