Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet will be asked to consider taking the first steps towards challenging the Government over its decision to expand Leicester.
At a full council meeting last month (August), the authority expressed serious concern about the Government’s decision and called on ministers to go back to the drawing board.
Now, sending a formal ‘pre-action protocol’ letter seeking further information and clarification from the Government is being mooted.
Next Tuesday (8 September), Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council, will ask cabinet to consider the option, which has cross-party support from the Conservative and Lib Dem groups.
“We stand firmly with our residents.
“They’ve spoken loud and clear about the Government’s flawed decision and we cannot ignore the strength of feeling across the communities affected.
Person:Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council
“Dozens of towns and villages face being swallowed up by a city expansion and we must do everything we can to protect their character and future services.”
In August, the council also agreed to seek legal advice on whether the Government’s decision-making process was lawful and robust, before considering what further action might be justified.
The proposed letter would focus on the reasoning, evidence and process underlying the Government’s decision.
Dan Harrison added: “Our full council set out its position clearly in August.
“We need a fuller explanation. I will now ask cabinet to consider taking this formal step which gives the Government an opportunity to answer our concerns and provide relevant information before we decide whether any further action is appropriate.
“This is not a step we would take lightly but creating a larger city is the single biggest change for Leicestershire in living memory. The people of Leicestershire are entitled to transparency about a decision which could reshape their communities and local services for generations.
“Our message for Government is clear – please think again.”
Leader of the Conservative group, Deborah Taylor, said: “At last month’s council meeting, we made it clear that we were united in defence of our county against a city land grab. We stand squarely behind our residents in this fight.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Michael Mullaney said: “We will continue to fight the Government’s disgraceful plan to drag 100,000s of county residents into Leicester City. We’ve always said this is a disastrous plan for communities and we support the county council’s challenge.”
Watch the council’s cabinet meeting online via our website.