Plan to scrap our local councils could save £44m a year

Plans to replace ten local and district councils in Leicestershire with three unitary authorities have been published.

The North, City, South plan sets out a vision for three unitary councils and a mayoral strategic authority to lead the area into a more prosperous future.

The three unitary authorities, which would deliver all council services, would cover North Leicestershire and Rutland, South Leicestershire, and Leicester City. Each would have a population of around 400,000 residents.

There are currently 10 councils across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.

There are seven district and Borough Councils:

Charnwood Borough Council 

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council

North West Leicestershire District Council 

District of Harborough Council 

Blaby District Council 

Melton Borough Council 

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council

as well as Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, and Rutland County Council.

These councils are responsible for a range of local services from housing, planning, and social care for children and adults; to collecting waste and recycling, maintaining roads, and running libraries.

The government wants to reduce the number of councils in England by creating a smaller number of unitary councils. It follows the publication of the Government's English Devolution White Paper on 16 December 2024.

The councils in Leicestershire say this proposal will save over £44million a year. 

Each district council and Rutland County Council will now consider the proposal, and further amendments will be made ahead of the Government's final proposal deadline of 28 November 2025.

Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council and speaking on behalf of the Leaders of the North, City, South councils, said: "The North, City, South plan has been developed by the eight partner councils, representing a wide range of political views and demonstrating a strong commitment to collaboration for the good of our communities.

"This draft has now been published to be considered by our fellow councillors. We're also sharing it with communities, businesses and stakeholders who have helped shaped its development.

"Should it be approved, the final proposal will be made to Government in November.

"North, City, South makes a strong case to deliver devolution alongside local government reorganisation. This will unlock investment, create jobs, and boost prosperity. The approach reflects feedback from businesses and stakeholders who support these ambitions.

"It also outlines a once-in-a-generation chance to shift from treating symptoms to tackling root causes, getting support to people earlier.

"Local government isn't broken, but the Government says change is needed and the North, City, South plan offers a clear direction of travel for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for the next 50 years."

The draft proposal can be read on the North, City, South website. Visit www.northcitysouth.co.uk/draft-proposal