Government launches seven-week consultation for ‘once-in-a-generation’ council plan

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The ministry of housing, communities and local government has launched a consultation, asking Leicestershire residents several questions, including whether they think the council’s proposed changes are “efficient”, deliver “quality services” and “meet local needs”.

Leicester City Council has proposed two unitary councils, including the city’s boundaries extending outward in all directions. Among the areas being eyed up under that plan are Glenfield, Oadby, Wigston, Blaby, Whetstone, Syston, Anstey, Leicester Forest East, Birstall, Kirby Muxloe, Thurmaston and Countesthorpe.

Meanwhile, Leicestershire County Council wants two councils, including Leicestershire and Leicester. The Leicestershire authority would consist of Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire, Oadby and Wigston, and Rutland with Leicester being unchanged.

Other district and borough councils in Leicestershire have also proposed three unitary councils, called North, City, and South. North would consist of Charnwood, North West Leicestershire, Melton, Rutland while South would be Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Oadby and Wigston. Leicester City would be unchanged.

The seven-week consultation, which can be answered by residents, asks them their thoughts on all three proposals by councils, including if they agree with them and how effective they will be in “empowering communities”.

Leicester’s boundary expansion has brought out the most opposition from Leicestershire councillors and MPs, with some calling it “unacceptable”. Previously, Leicester mayor Peter Soulsby denied allegations that it was a land “grab” and called it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the city.

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Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Dan Harrison, supporting two Leicester and Leicestershire councils, said that it was a “rare opportunity to help shape how local government is designed”.

He said: “This is a historic moment for local government and a chance to build councils that are leaner, more efficient and better equipped to meet future challenges.

“This consultation is an important opportunity for residents and organisations to review all of the proposals and share their views with government.

“Our blueprint for 21st-century local government would unite Leicestershire and Rutland under a single council and bring together the wealth of expertise and knowledge across all nine authorities.”

“This is our chance to empower local government at every level, including our parishes and communities. This is our chance to transition to a bolder and better future.”

Councillor Pip Allnatt, leader of Melton Borough Council, speaking on behalf of the leaders of the North, City, South councils, said: “We are proud of what our councils deliver and do not believe the system is broken, but the government has made it clear that things have to change across the whole country.

“Therefore, this represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset and reimagine local government in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and our proposal offers the best option available.

“The eight North, City, South councils have worked hard to develop a proposal which would deliver three strong, financially sustainable councils, capable of improving services and accelerating economic growth.

“Our proposal is built on collaboration, evidence and engagement, with thousands of residents helping to shape the final document. If things need to change, we believe North, City, South is the best way forward for our communities.

“I strongly urge residents, businesses, partners and organisations to take part in this consultation and have their say.”

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