Update
On 29 October, 2026, the Government withdrew its July 2026 decision to create two new unitary councils by April 2028, one covering a larger city and another for the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland.
The Government says it remains committed to the LGR process and that further LGR decisions will be forthcoming.
Our preferred option
Leicestershire County Council proposed a single county unitary for Leicestershire and Rutland as its preferred option.
Map shows the preferred option that was put forward by Leicestershire County Council, with a single unitary council for Leicestershire and Rutland, and a separate council for Leicester city, based on its current boundary.
Leicester City Council proposal to grow
The government invited proposals from cities like Leicester, Derby and Nottingham to extend their boundary, so that they’re more sustainable.
A bigger city council would save a similar amount overall, but the implementation costs and risks are higher.
The larger the expansion the greater the saving taken by the city.
Transferring services from the county to the city increases the risk of service disruption and will require significant extra financial investment.
District and Rutland proposal to split
The districts prepared a bid for three unitary councils. Splitting the county areas delivers lower savings, as two sets of management and overhead are required.
Map shows the preferred option that was submitted for the districts and Rutland, with separate councils for the north from North West Leicestershire to Rutland, and the south from Hinckley and Bosworth to Harborough. The city council was proposed as a third council based on its existing boundary.