Local Government Reorganisation

At the end of 2024, UK Government set out plans for a drastic reorganisation of local government with the publication of a White Paper on 16 December 2024 on English Devolution. This made it clear that the Government wants to move away from 'three tier' local government, like Leicestershire, and expects all county councils, district councils and neighbouring unitary councils (in this case, Leicester City and Rutland) to work up proposals for change.

Reorganisation needs to be agreed before there can be agreed devolution of powers and responsibilities to Leicestershire, (Leicester and Rutland) from the Government.

You'll have seen from the news reports that the May election will go ahead as planned for Leicestershire County Council. See news items here from Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, and a joint statement from leaders of the seven district and borough councils in Leicestershire.

There are multiple proposals for what a reorganised local government in Leicestershire and Rutland might look like.

Proposals have to be submitted to the government by the end of March 2025 as to what these new authorities will look like.

These are not a takeover of existing District Councils, but a new combination of Unitary Authorities and a Strategic Authority Covering multiple Unitary Authorities.

Leicestershire was turned down for the fast-track system by the Government, so the new authority is not anticipated to come into effect until 2028.

Things are happening at a breakneck pace at the principal authority level, so check back regularly for the latest updates on what is being proposed.

Plans are being drawn up to create one council for Leicestershire (excluding Rutland and Leicester City), forging stronger links with communities, reducing duplication and simplifying local government.

Visit One Council for Leicestershire for more information about the County Councils proposals and to respond to an initial on-line consultation.

The seven district and borough councils in Leicestershire and Rutland County Council are working together to look at how we can make this work best for local communities. (See website)

From the work they've carried out so far, they believe a preferred model for local government structures in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is emerging. That model is for three unitary councils for our shared area:

· One to serve North Leicestershire and Rutland
an area currently served by Charnwood, North West Leicestershire and Melton district and borough councils, and Rutland County Council)

· One for South Leicestershire
an area currently served by Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth and Oadby & Wigston district and borough councils

· One for the city of Leicester
based on its existing boundaries

The benefits of three unitary councils

This approach ensures councils remain connected to people and place, are accessible and accountable, efficient and have simple structures.
These are initial ideas. We need to do much more work, including engaging with our communities.
The deadline is tight. The Government wants an interim plan by 21 March 2025.

We need views to help shape our proposal
We are talking to stakeholders but want to make sure residents, organisations and businesses can also share their views.
We have created a short survey so you can have a say now.
The 'ask' at this stage is really simple – what is most important to you when you think about your local council? If you have any other thoughts or views on the topic, feel free to share them with us.
There will be more to get involved in as much wider public engagement is planned before final proposals need to be submitted in November 2025.

The City Council want to extend their boundaries out into the county, as they are concerned about their long-term economic viability.

While several options have been mooted, no definitive plans or locations have been shared with us as yet.

You may find more information at www.leicester.gov.uk.

Initial proposals need to be submitted by 21 March 2025 with a more detailed plan completed by November 2025.

Parish Councils will continue, and their remits are likely to expand with more devolved services. The extent of devolution will only become known when it has been determined what shaped the Unitary Authority and Strategic Authority position will take.