‘Serious Concern’ Over Plans To Scrap Councils

Serious concerns have been raised over plans to scrap Harborough District Council in favour of a single ‘super council’ covering the whole of Leicestershire.

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.

But Harborough and the county’s six other district and borough councils fear the move has the potential to be ‘too remote’ and ‘inaccessible’ for communities.

The county council is proposing one unitary authority for the whole of Leicestershire and another for Leicester City, with an extension of the city’s boundaries as part of the process.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien told HFM he is against the idea:

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, has expressed ‘disappointment’ that a statement relating to proposed reorganisation was issued by the county council, without notice and consultation.

A joint statement by the county’s district and borough council leaders says: “As local leaders we are closest to our communities, and have a responsibility to ensure local voices are heard and properly considered in any reorganisation of local government.

“A single unitary council over a wide and diverse geographic area, which is being proposed without proper consultation, has the potential to be too remote, and inaccessible, from the communities we serve. We must keep the local in local government.

“We believe there are credible alternatives to a large single unitary, which will facilitate a better sense of place, deliver savings, boost regional growth and provide better outcomes for our residents and businesses.

“We want to work collaboratively with all our local authority partners to agree how best to reshape local government within our area. We have written to government to confirm that we are keen to work with them and that we expect our propositions to be taken seriously.

“There is simply too much at stake to have a change railroaded through.”

Currently the county council has responsibility for areas like highways and social care, while district and borough councils look after things like bin collections and planning matters.

Leicestershire County Council has also requested the government allows it to postpone local elections, due to take place in May, until May 2026, to allow it more time to draw up detailed proposals.

Deborah Taylor, acting leader, 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.”