A decision to expand Leicester City has been branded ‘a disastrous day for democracy’ by Leicestershire County Council’s leader.
Today, the government has announced it's opting for two unitary councils for the area – one covering an expanded Leicester and one serving the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland.
Reacting to the news, Councillor Dan Harrison said: “I’m furious, shocked and bitterly disappointed.
“We’ve always been clear that an expanded city would be costly and disruptive. Financially and strategically, this is madness and it’s not the right decision for Leicestershire.
“This is a disastrous day for democracy. No one wanted this.
“No professional oversight has been given to the effect on Leicestershire residents of the city’s land grab and our residents haven’t been listened to.”
The government wants to move away from ‘two tier’ local government and asked councils to work up final plans for change by last November.
The government consulted earlier this year and says new councils will come into effect from April 2028.
We’ll be taking legal advice on launching a challenge to government to make sure residents are at the heart of the decision.
Our professional officers will get on with the job. But this is reckless and we’ll continue to fight for those residents who’ve been let down by the government today.
Person:Councillor Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council