Council Unites Against Leicester Boundary Plans
Written by HFM News on 28th July 2026
Councillors have united in opposition to the Government’s decision to expand Leicester’s boundaries into parts of the Harborough district.
Members of Harborough District Council unanimously backed a motion at a meeting last night reaffirming the authority’s opposition to the proposals, which would see communities including Great Glen, Wistow, Newton Harcourt, Little Stretton, Bushby, Scraptoft, Stoughton and Willoughby Waterleys transferred into Leicester City.
Councillors have united in opposition to the Government’s decision to expand Leicester’s boundaries into parts of the Harborough district.
The motion, proposed by Council Leader Simon Whelband, states that the plans fail to reflect established communities, have been made despite significant local opposition and raise concerns about the future sustainability of the remaining Leicestershire and Rutland unitary authority.
Cllr Whelband spoke to HFM after the motion was carried:
Councillors also agreed to continue making representations to the Government on behalf of residents and authorised the council leader and chief executive to work with other affected authorities to explore all appropriate options for challenging the proposals, including the possibility of legal action.
Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Phil Knowles, says the motion received support from across the chamber:
The motion follows the Government’s decision on local government reorganisation, which also includes a single unitary authority serving Leicestershire and Rutland.
