What is Local Government reorganisation?
In December 2024, the Government published the English Devolution White Paper. This made it clear that the Government wants to move away from ‘two 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.
What benefits could it bring?
This is an opportunity to improve services for our residents, save money, simplify a confusing system and protect front-line services - and has been a goal for a number of years.
This is the right time for change. It could unlock devolved powers and funding - giving us more money to fix roads and other services our residents value, plus new powers to coordinate planning and join-up transport.
Has this been tried before?
Reorganisation has been talked about in the past. In 2019 a business case was developed to show how much money could be saved from having one unitary council for Leicestershire.
It is well known that Leicestershire has been frustrated in trying to achieve any devolution of powers and responsibilities.
Is it a takeover of the district councils?
It’s not a takeover by the County Council of district councils – it’s about establishing a new unitary structure and is what the Government is asking us to do.
How does having one council save money?
By reducing senior management, support staff, councillors and elections. You also save money by having single services. For example, at the moment, in the county we have seven different waste collection systems with a different council then having to dispose of the waste.
I live miles from County Hall – wouldn’t one council be more remote?
No – we already provide services in local areas 24/7, including social care in people’s homes, and you can’t get more local than that. Having one council doesn’t change where services are delivered from. More decisions would be delegated to local areas.
When will this happen?
We will submit final proposals in November 2025. The government wants new councils to be in place by 2028.
How can I keep in touch with updates?
You can register for regular updates from the council.