One-in-a-Generation Shake-up, Residents Urged to have your say on the Future of Rutland and Leicestershire’s Councils, Government launches a landmark consultation on the future of local power.
By Local Democracy Reporter
The map of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland could be redrawn forever as the Government launches a landmark consultation on the future of local power.
Residents, business owners, and community leaders are being called upon to weigh in on a massive structural overhaul that would see the current system of 10 separate councils scrapped in favor of a smaller number of "unitary" authorities.
Currently, the region is served by a mix of city, county, and district councils. Under the new proposals, these would be replaced by streamlined councils responsible for every local service from bin collections and housing to social care and highways.
The Three Options on the Table
The Government is seeking views on three distinct visions for the region:
Two Councils (The City Extension): Leicester City’s boundaries would expand to take in surrounding areas, creating one large city council and one single council covering the remainder of Leicestershire and Rutland.
Two Councils (The Status Quo Boundary): One council would cover the entirety of Leicestershire and Rutland, while Leicester City Council would remain within its current borders.
Three Councils (The 'North, City, South' Plan): This proposal creates a council for North Leicestershire and Rutland, a council for South Leicestershire, and keeps Leicester City on its existing boundary.
"If things must change, this is the best way"
The "North, City, South" option is being spearheaded by the region’s seven district and borough councils alongside Rutland County Council. They argue their plan is the most effective way to save money while keeping local government "local."
Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council, speaking for the group, admitted that while they didn't believe the current system was "broken," the Government has mandated change.
"This represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset and reimagine local government," Cllr Allnatt said. "Our proposal is built on collaboration, evidence, and engagement. We believe North, City, South is the best way forward for our communities."
The coalition claims their three-council plan would:
Save over £44 million a year through efficiency.
Retain Rutland’s historic name and civic status.
Keep councils connected to the communities they serve.
Accelerate economic growth and support future devolution deals.
The Leaders Behind the 'North, City, South' Proposal
The push for the three-council model is supported by a cross-county coalition of leaders:
Cllr Gale Waller, Leader of Rutland County Council
Cllr Ben Taylor, Leader of Blaby District Council
Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council
Cllr Stuart Bray, Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council
Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council
Cllr Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council
Cllr Samia Haq, Leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council
How to Have Your Say
The consultation is now live and will run for seven weeks. The Government is expected to make a final decision by the summer, with the new authorities officially taking over in 2028.
Residents have until 11:59pm on 26 March 2026 to submit their views.
Take Part in the Survey: You can access the official Government consultation and complete the online survey here:
For more info on the North, City, South plan:
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