HDC considers legal challenge over Leicester boundary expansion
Written by HFM News on 18th July 2026
Harborough District Council is considering legal action after the government approved plans to expand Leicester’s boundary as part of a major reorganisation of local government.
The changes will see parts of the Harborough district, including Great Glen and Wistow, transferred into an expanded Leicester City, while the rest of the district will become part of a new unitary council serving the whole of Leicestershire.
The decision follows the government’s backing of Leicester City Council’s preferred option for replacing the current county, district and borough councils with two new authorities.
Council leader Simon Whelband said the decision was “a slap in the face” for people across the district.
He said: “The Government has chosen to ignore the views of local communities and press ahead with a land grab that residents neither wanted nor voted for.
“This proposal has been opposed by Harborough District Council, local MPs, parish councils and residents across our district. We made it abundantly clear that there is no local mandate for taking communities out of Harborough and forcing them into Leicester City.”
Mr Whelband said the council had challenged the plans throughout the process, including taking its case directly to government ministers.
He said Harborough District Council would continue to represent residents throughout the transition and was now exploring “every option available”, including a legal challenge.
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien also criticised the decision in the House of Commons, accusing ministers of ignoring the views of local people after more than 11,000 people signed a petition opposing the boundary expansion:
Leicestershire County Council has also confirmed it is taking legal advice over the government’s decision.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 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.”
If the plans proceed, elections for the new shadow authorities are expected to take place in May next year, with the new councils due to take over local services in April 2028.
