Council Prepares Potential Legal Challenge Over City Expansion

Leicestershire County Council is preparing for a potential legal challenge over plans to expand Leicester’s boundaries.

The authority says around 250,000 people currently living in the county, including parts of Harborough District, could be moved into the city as part of local government reorganisation.

The move has faced mass opposition, with Harborough District Council also considering a potential legal challenge.

Council leader Dan Harrison is planning to send a pre-action protocol letter to the government, asking for the reasoning and evidence behind the decision.

He said: “We need a fuller explanation. I will now ask cabinet to consider taking this formal step which gives the Government an opportunity to answer our concerns and provide relevant information before we decide whether any further action is appropriate.

“This is not a step we would take lightly but creating a larger city is the single biggest change for Leicestershire in living memory.  The people of Leicestershire are entitled to transparency about a decision which could reshape their communities and local services for generations.

“Our message for Government is clear – please think again.”

Harborough District Council is working with other affected district and borough councils to explore options for challenging the Government’s proposals.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government previously said: “Local government reorganisation will put one council in charge of decisions in their area.

“This will speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure, improve public services and boost regional growth to put more money in peoples’ pockets.”