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Local government reorganisation - unitary council proposals
In June 2018, Leicestershire County Council leader, Nick Rushton, said he wanted to “start a conversation” about re-drawing local government in the county.
Citing the financial pressures, national funding situation and growing service demands, he said that “local government is facing a perfect storm”.
Since then, the council sought the views of MPs, district councils, parish and town councils and others and published a detailed road map in 2019 setting out the benefits of re-shaping local government in Leicestershire.
The 100-page strategic business case compares different options and concludes that one, single unitary council – bringing together the eight county and district councils - offers the best opportunity to save money, reduce duplication and protect front line services.
Now, the council leader is set to write to the Government asking for Leicestershire to be invited to put forward unitary plans. Proposals also include refreshing the business case to reflect the Government's White Paper on Devolution.
What happens next?
Autumn/winter 2020 - refreshed business case due to be discussed by cabinet, scrutiny commission and full council
Find out more
- June 2018 - Right time to start ‘new council’ conversation
- October 2018 - Unitary report sets out case for change
- October 2018 - Views to be sought on unitary options
- October 2019 - Blueprint sets out vision for local government
- September 2020 - Government letter to kickstart unitary bid
Read the Strategic Business Case, published in October 2019:
A Vision for Local Government in Leicestershire: Strategic business case Opens new window
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