Over 3,000 People Oppose City Expansion Plan

Hundreds of people are opposing plans to expand the borders of Leicester City into the county.

More than 3,000 residents have signed a petition against the move in just one week.

The expansion, which is likely to take-in parts of the Harborough district, is part of proposals to shake-up local councils.

But local Conservative MPs are furious the proposals have been drawn up with no public consultation.

They launched the petition amid fears the expansion would mean higher council tax for people transferred into the City, and would likely also mean more development.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien raised the matter in the House of Commons this week, saying a referendum should be held with local people, before any final decision is made.

He questioned Jim McMahon, minister of state for housing, communities and local government:

Mr O’Brien spoke to HFM about the level of support for the petition:

Leicestershire County Council is leading the drive for change, following announcements by the Government to create more unitary authorities, which would be granted additional powers and potentially extra cash.

It is backing the creation of a single unitary authority for the whole of Leicestershire and another for the city, saying extending Leicester’s borders is required in order for the City Council to be economically sustainable and to meet the Government’s requirements of housing growth.

The proposal would mean the abolition of Harborough District Council and the county’s other district and borough councils.

All have expressed concern that their communities will be left isolated if a single ‘super council’ is formed.

The county council says it will continue to work with district and borough councils to submit proposals to the Government.

Deborah Taylor, acting leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “This is about reorganising local government. It offers an opportunity to save money, simplify a confusing system and protect front-line services and has been a goal for a number of years.

“I want to be clear that this is a fresh bid in response to Government proposals and not a county council takeover. We are in regular contact with the City Council, Rutland Council, district councils, partners and staff to ensure they are aware of, and involved in, shaping plans and wait to hear from Government on next steps.”