The leaders of the district councils and Rutland County Council issue a Joint Statement on Collaboration Around Devolution: "No Collaboration - Our Residents Deserve Better"
Joint Statement on Collaboration Around Devolution: "No Collaboration - Our Residents Deserve Better"
Leaders of the seven district and borough councils in Leicestershire and Rutland, alongside Rutland County Council, have issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment and concern following Leicestershire County Council's announcement regarding its approach to devolution. The statement comes after Leicestershire County Council revealed it is proceeding unilaterally with its proposal to establish a single unitary authority for Leicestershire. This decision, particularly the exclusion of Rutland and the lack of collaborative engagement, has drawn strong criticism from the assembled council leaders.
The district and borough council leaders argue that the residents of Leicestershire and Rutland deserve a more collaborative and inclusive approach to such significant structural changes. They emphasise the importance of joint working and open dialogue in determining the best path forward for local governance. The unilateral action taken by Leicestershire County Council, they contend, undermines these principles and disregards the voices and interests of the communities they represent.
The joint statement highlights the councils' commitment to exploring all available options for effective and efficient local government structures. However, they stress that any such restructuring must be based on genuine collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision for the future of the region. The current approach, they argue, falls short of these standards.
The leaders express their concern that the proposed unitary authority model, developed and pursued without meaningful consultation, may not adequately address the diverse needs of the various communities within Leicestershire and Rutland. They raise questions about the potential impact on local services, democratic representation, and the overall effectiveness of local governance.
The statement concludes with a call for Leicestershire County Council to reconsider its approach and engage in a genuine dialogue with all stakeholders. The district and borough council leaders reiterate their willingness to participate in constructive discussions aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes for the residents of Leicestershire and Rutland. They emphasise that their priority remains serving their communities and ensuring that any changes to local government structures are driven by the needs and aspirations of the people they represent, rather than by unilateral decisions. The message is clear: true collaboration is essential for effective devolution, and the current path chosen by Leicestershire County Council is not in the best interests of the region.
The leaders of the district councils and Rutland County Council said:
“We are extremely disappointed that the county council is continuing with its proposal to create one single unitary council for the whole of Leicestershire with no discussion or engagement with other councils. Our residents deserve better."
“This goes against the expectations of ministers and the intent of the government’s white paper on how it wishes to see local government reorganisation developed."
“We don’t believe the current system is broken, but if it is to change then we believe one single county unitary serving 800,000 residents, one of the largest in the country, would be too remote, too cumbersome, too inaccessible and ultimately inefficient and unsustainable."
“It is pleasing to see that the county council have at least listened to Rutland who have made it clear that they do not want to be part of a large, unwieldy single unitary for Leicestershire. This rehashed proposal doesn’t address the expectation that change should be coterminous with health, fire and police or that the government expect local government reorganisation proposals that include Rutland."
“Instead, the district councils in Leicestershire and Rutland County Council are working together and engaging with stakeholders to develop proposals which will deliver localised, high-quality, efficient and sustainable public services for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland."
“Our proposals, which we will submit before the deadline of 21 March 2025, will set out how many new councils would strike the right balance between size and maintaining a strong local connection to communities. We must, and we will, keep the local in local government."
“Any new unitary councils should reflect the way people live their lives in that area and be aligned to where people live, work, shop and play."
“We are therefore exploring options for smaller unitary authorities which will serve our local communities’ needs better, but also enhance their future prosperity."
“Our proposals will be evidence led and backed by engagement with local communities, businesses and organisations. We will ensure they all have a meaningful voice in the process."
“Local democratic accountability in any new structures is also important, elected members are representatives for communities they serve."
“As the first initial deadline is very tight, we are carrying out some initial engagement with stakeholders who represent a wide range of people, communities and sectors to help shape our interim plans."
“A more comprehensive package of public engagement will follow this summer, and Government will also carry out a consultation on any final proposal so there will be ample opportunity for people to get involved."
“We want what is best for our residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and our door remains open to the County Council to work together on achieving this.”
Leaders of the district and borough councils and Rutland County Council
The leaders of the district and borough councils and Rutland County Council are:
Cllr Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council
Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council
Cllr Stuart Bray, Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth District Council
Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council
Cllr Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council
Cllr Samia Haq, Leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council
Cllr Gale Waller, Leader of Rutland County Council
