Big enough to deliver
Close enough to respond
Local government in Leicestershire is changing
The government wants to reduce the number of councils in areas like ours and make things simpler and more efficient.
This will mean new unitary councils are created – authorities which deliver all services.
They will replace the district and borough councils and the county councils.
Developing proposals
The Government has invited the area to submit plans for future council structures. This is also about unlocking devolution and bringing powers and funding to the region.
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.
From the work we have done so far, a preferred approach for local government structures in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is emerging.
Three unitary councils
- One to serve North Leicestershire and Rutland
(an area currently served by North West Leicestershire, Charnwood and Melton district and borough councils, and Rutland County Council)
- One for South Leicestershire
(an area currently served by Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, and Oadby and 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 as much wider public engagement is planned before final proposals need to be submitted in November 2025.
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