Residents and businesses urged to give their views on reform of local councils

Residents businesses, public sector organisations and other organisations have until March 26 to make comments on three proposals designed to streamline local government and save public funds.

Two of the proposals would see the Melton borough part of a large unitary super council covering the whole of Leicestershire while the other places it in a smaller North Leicestershire council alongside Rutland, Charnwood and North West Leicestershire.

The latter set up has been suggested by all of the district councils, including Melton, and Rutland County Council, and it would also feature a South Leicestershire Council and a Leicester city council based on its existing boundaries. Those three unitaries would all contain populations of about 400,000 people.

The large super council plan, which would see the authority govern a population of around 800,000, was put forward by Leicestershire County Council and it also includes a city council retaining its current borders.

The third proposal comes from Leicester City Council and it would lead to a sizeable expansion of the city’s borders to swallow up neighbouring districts and one council for Leicestershire to include Rutland as well.

Council leaders are urging residents to make their views known before a final decision is taken to completely redraw the local government landscape in this area and across the country.

Melton Borough Council leader, Pip Allnatt, speaking on behalf of all district leaders and their support for North, City, South model, 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.

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

County Hall says its proposal avoids the need to split up boundaries and services and aims to empower communities, reinvest money into frontline services and preserve heritage.

Council council leader, Dan Harrison, 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.

“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.”

He added: “This is a rare opportunity to help shape how local government is designed so please take the time to complete the Government’s consultation.”

Go to https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/leicestershire-and-leicester-and-rutland/ to give your comments on the three proposals.