District Leaders Say “Drop ‘Super-Council’ Plan”

A war of words has broken out over plans to scrap Leicestershire’s District and Borough Councils and replace them with a new so-called Super Authority.

The Leaders of each have joined forces to say the plan is being considered too quickly without them being properly involved.

They’re calling on Leiestershire County Council to drop the idea of the single Unitary authority – which it says will taxpayers £30m by having fewer bosses, councillors and offices – and instead discuss a more collaborative approach.

Cllr Neil Bannister, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I am pleased with the unified and collaborative approach of the District and Borough Councils which is a most welcome way to work together.

“We want to explore what the best models of local government would be to deliver good quality services for our communities in the most effective and efficient way that generates widespread support.

“I will always have the best interests of the residents of Harborough District in these discussions. I hope very much that the County Council will see the sense in joining in this collaborative approach and not to press on with just one option that may not be sustainable.”

County Council leader Nick Rushton says the District and Borough Councils have misunderstood the situation and says the time for meeting is when the plans for re-organisation are published next month.