Leicestershire and Rutland Councils Propose Bold New Vision for Local Government
A significant shake-up of local government structures is on the horizon for Leicestershire and Rutland, as a collaborative proposal has been submitted to the government, outlining a vision for three new unitary councils. This plan, spearheaded by Rutland County Council and the seven district and borough councils of Leicestershire, aims to streamline services, boost efficiency, and keep local communities at the heart of decision-making.
The proposal is a direct response to the government's call for interim plans to reduce the number of councils and establish unitary authorities, a key element of its devolution agenda. The submitted plan advocates for three equally-sized unitary councils: one serving North Leicestershire and Rutland, another for South Leicestershire, and Leicester City Council operating independently.
According to the councils, this model offers several key advantages:
Local Accountability: Maintaining strong connections between councils and their communities.
Simplified Services: Streamlining services for residents, businesses, and partners.
Vulnerable Protection: Prioritising support for vulnerable individuals and preventative measures.
Economic Growth: Leveraging devolution to stimulate local economic development.
Efficiency Savings: Achieving nearly £43 million in annual savings.
In a joint statement, the council leaders emphasised their collaborative approach, highlighting the extensive engagement and data analysis that informed the plan. They asserted that this model aligns with the government's criteria for devolution and local government reorganisation, while ensuring the best outcomes for their communities.
"Our interim plan will also deliver savings, but it very much puts people and place at the heart of future local government structures," the statement said.
The councils have stressed that this is an interim plan, and further engagement with the government, stakeholders, and communities is essential before final proposals are submitted in November 2025. They have also expressed their opposition to Leicestershire County Council's proposal for a single unitary authority, arguing that it would be too large and detached from local communities.
The submitted plan contrasts the proposed three unitary authorities, each serving approximately 400,000 residents, against the single unitary proposal for Leicestershire which would serve approximately 800,000 residents. The councils state that the three unitary model will retain better connections to local populations.
Rutland's position is unique, as it is included in three separate interim plan options: the three-unitary model with North Leicestershire, an option within the Greater Lincolnshire plan, and an option for inclusion within an expanded Leicester city unitary authority. Rutland County Council has provided access to all three plans on their website, and has announced plans for further detailed analysis and public engagement starting in May.
www.rutland.gov.uk/council-councillors/devolution-local-government-reorganisation
The next critical deadline is November 28, 2025, when final proposals for local government reorganisation are due. The councils have committed to continuing their engagement efforts to ensure that the final plan reflects the needs and views of their communities. This restructuring represents the most significant change to local government in the region in 50 years, and the councils are determined to ensure a positive outcome for all.
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
