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.