Mixed Feelings On Council Re-Organisation Plan

People have been telling HFM what they think of plans to re-organise local government.

The preferred option is to scrap district and borough councils, including Harborough District Council and the current county council, in favour of a single unitary authority covering the whole of Leicestershire.

The move has been triggered by the government which wants to shake-up local government and create bigger councils with the aim of devolving more power and funding to them.

But the idea of one ‘super-council’ is proving controversial and is being opposed by the Leaders of district and borough council and Harborough MP Neil O’Brien, amid fears decisions will be taken away from communities.

These shoppers in Market Harborough told HFM what they think of the idea:

Shoppers in Market Harborough have been speaking to HFM about the plan

Leicestershire County Council has just over a month to submit proposals about the re-organisation.

Although the county is not one of the areas where the process is being fast-tracked, it is still required to put plans forward to central government quickly.

Acting Leader of the county council, Cllr Deborah Taylor, told HFM she is concerned at the time-line, particularly after a request to delay local elections in May was turned down by government:

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “Our council reorganisation plans will strengthen local democracy and empower local leaders to meet the needs of their communities.

“This will boost local accountability and save taxpayers’ money which can be reinvested into vital public services, as part of the biggest ever transfer of power away from Westminster.”