A new report highlighting the risks of splitting up care services has been welcomed by Leicestershire County Council.
Published today (Friday), research commissioned by the County Councils Network (CCN) says that creating new, larger councils is central to maintaining services for vulnerable people and stemming cost rises.
The report comes as the Government’s deadline for councils to submit final local government reorganisation plans nears.
Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Our work makes a big difference to thousands of children, families and adults across Leicestershire, including some of the most vulnerable.
“Unnecessarily splitting up these services jeopardises this life changing support and this is a risk we can’t afford to take.
“Avoiding disruption to care services is vital. I welcome this report which underlines that re-drawing the shape of local government has to benefit our residents, not put lives at risk.”
Government guidance said new unitary councils should have a population of 500,000 or more but also states there could be ‘flexibility’.
This week, the council asked residents for feedback on the future shape of local government in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
You can comment until 27 October.