Hinckley to get new council as ‘democratic deficit’ would hit the town

This story was written by the local democracy reporting service (LDRS), a BBC-funded scheme to improve the coverage of issues relating to local democracy. The Leicester Gazette has been a partner in the scheme since March 2024, and so receives some stories as part of it.

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Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) met on May 12 to discuss and approve the formation of Hinckley Town Council after local government reorganisation (LGR) will lead to the borough council ceasing to exist.

Three proposals are being planned for Leicestershire including a single Leicestershire authority and a single Leicester city authority, with no city expansion. This proposal is most desired by Leicestershire County Council.

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Another proposal, called North, City, South, would create a northern Leicestershire council with Rutland, a city council, and a south Leicestershire council. This proposal is supported by seven district and borough councils, including HBBC, and Rutland County Council.

The third proposal for LGR would involve two councils, Leicester and Leicestershire, but would expand the city boundary.

Hinckley Town Council will have 20 councillors elected from four wards that align with existing borough wards, including the Castle, Trinity, De Montfort and Clarendon wards, with elections taking place in May 2027.

Town councils hold responsibilities such as managing parks, community centres, cemeteries and footpaths. They are also consulted on planning matters in their communities. Currently, the borough council is responsible for these duties in Hinckley.

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