Leicestershire Councils Propose New Plan to Reform Local Government

Strategic Insights -

The government is currently considering plans to end the two-tier local government system in Leicestershire, which would see the abolition of district councils and Leicestershire County Council. In response, the leaders of eight Leicestershire and Rutland councils have proposed a new North, City, South plan, which would see three unitary councils governing roughly 400,000 residents each, with the retention of Leicester City Council. The plan has been developed with a strong commitment to collaboration and has been backed by economic modelling, which suggests it has the potential to stimulate significant growth, supporting the creation of 219,000 jobs and generating £8 billion in public funds by 2050.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed North, City, South plan would see three unitary councils governing roughly 400,000 residents each, with the retention of Leicester City Council.
  • The plan has been developed by the eight partner councils, representing a wide range of political views, and has been shaped by feedback from communities, businesses, and stakeholders.
  • Economic modelling suggests the three unitary council approach has the potential to stimulate significant growth, supporting the creation of 219,000 jobs and generating £8 billion in public funds by 2050.
  • Over 6,000 responses were received during an engagement exercise in the summer, with over half (56%) backing a three-unitary model and 60% supporting the North, City, South proposed areas.
  • Leicestershire County Council favours an alternative plan, which would see one super council for the county, predicting it would save around £40 million each year.

Statistics:

  • 219,000 jobs could be created by 2050 under the proposed North, City, South plan.
  • £8 billion in public funds could be generated by 2050 under the proposed North, City, South plan.
  • Over 6,000 responses were received during an engagement exercise in the summer.
  • 56% of respondents backed a three-unitary model.
  • 60% of respondents supported the North, City, South proposed areas.

Sources:

  • [Leader of Melton Borough Council, Councillor Pip Allnatt]
  • [Leicestershire County Council]