City Expansion Plan Scrapped After Major Opposition

Plans to extend the boundaries of Leicester City into the county – as part of local government re-organisation – have been scrapped.

Over 4,500 signed a petition opposing the idea amid fears of higher council tax and more house-building.

The move would have likely seen areas in the north of the Harborough district absorbed into the city.

Leicestershire County Council has removed the idea from its latest re-organisation proposal, triggered by the government wanting to create bigger councils, with the aim of devolving more power and funding to them.

It’s ‘One Council’ plan would see one unitary authority serving the whole of the county, replacing district and borough councils and the current county council.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien set-up the campaign against the city boundaries being extended.

He told HFM he is pleased it is no longer on the table, but still has concerns about the proposed shake-up:

Cllr Deborah Taylor, Acting Leader of Leicestershire County Council

Leicestershire County Council say its plan for a single authority would save around £30 million annually – through fewer managers, chief executives and councillors.

However, district and borough councils say decisions will be taken away from communities and are drawing up alternative plans to create two unitary councils.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, acting leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “It’s time for change and creating one council is the only sensible option.

“We have the chance to build one council for Leicestershire fit for the 21st century, making life simpler for our residents and offering better value for our Council Tax payers.

“We want what’s best for our residents. But from our previous work, and experiences of other areas that were split up, we don’t believe another option adds up, financially, geographically or logically.

“Splitting the county into two, as some might suggest, is a non-starter creating more pain than gain – fewer savings, more confusion and unhelpful competition for staff. Two sets of everything – from back-office staff to waste collection systems – and less choice about which libraries and waste sites residents could use.”

The council is encouraging residents, organisations and businesses to complete a short survey as it continues to work on the proposal.

Complete the survey by 18 March by visiting www.leicestershire.gov.uk/OneCouncil  or fill in the freepost cut out version in Leicestershire Matters, delivered from early March.

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.”