Rival plans submitted to reorganise councils in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

The government is committed to streamlining local government and ending the current two-tier system which, in this area, will see the abolition of Melton Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council.

Deadline for submitting alternative proposals was today and there will be a further public consultation early next year before a decision is made and the new councils operate from 2028.

**The North, City, South plan will see North and South Leicestershire Council with a separate Leicester city council containing its current boundaries. This is favoured by all seven Leicestershire district and borough councils and Rutland County Council.

**County Hall’s proposal would result in one large super council for Leicestershire and a city council with existing borders.

**Leicester City Council wants to expand its reach to include neighbouring areas, such as Syston, Oadby and Anstey, to raise its population to 623,000 from around 372,000.

Melton borough and Rutland would both be part of the North Leicestershire Council if the North, City, South plan is approved.

This was developed following extensive engagement with communities, partners, stakeholders and businesses across two exercises, which received around 10,000 responses. The engagement showed strong support for a three-unitary council approach.

This proposal would see 10 councils reduced to three, serving around 400,000 residents each, and the entire area would be governed by an elected Mayor.

The district councils and Rutland say this set-up would save £44M in taxpayer funds every year and would retain a local say for residents in local government issues.

There would also be a commitment to retain Rutland’s name and ceremonial status.

Councillor Pip Allnatt, leader of Melton Borough Council and speaking on behalf of the leaders of the North, City, South councils, said: “The North, City, South proposal represents a united vision from eight councils, cutting across political boundaries to put communities first.

"North, City, South is about creating strong, sustainable councils that can deliver better services, unlock investment, and accelerate growth.

“We’ve listened to residents, businesses, and partners, and their feedback has shaped this plan. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to move from reacting to problems to preventing them helping people earlier and improving lives.”

The county council’s plan for a super Leicestershire council would see it govern a population of around 800,000 and it says it is aimed at ‘putting residents first, empowering communities and reinvesting millions into frontline services that matter most’.

Independently verified analysis shows that the plan will save around £40M every year the county council says, by cutting duplication and streamlining leadership, with the savings being invested into vital services for residents.

Transition costs are paid back within a couple of years, County Hall predicts. Rutland’s ceremonial status would remain.

Council leader, Dan Harrison, said: "This is the right choice for our communities, our finances and our future.

“Our plan features local area and planning committees, along the lines of the North Yorkshire Council model, liked by government and recognised as a success.

“We've worked with scrutiny leads, local businesses and stakeholders to shape our final proposals, backed by a strong, cross-party majority.”