A 'once in a generation opportunity' to improve council services – or a needless restructure which could see the historic county of Rutland consigned to the history books?

Residents are being asked for their views on the proposed shake-up of local government in Rutland and Leicestershire – with three proposals on the table.

A consultation on the plans was launched on February 5 and households have until March 26 to have their say.

The idea is to create fewer so-called unitary councils, such as Rutland and Leicester, and get rid of county councils and district councils, like Leicestershire and Melton.

This, the government believes, will simplify council operations, so locals know exactly where all their services are coming from.

Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council have both submitted proposals – while Rutland has joined up with the seven district and borough councils in Leicestershire to deliver their own scheme.

The three proposals for change in Leicestershire and Rutland

• Two councils with an expanded Leicester city boundary and a single council for the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland (Leicester City Council's proposal)
• Two councils with one single council for Leicestershire and Rutland and one for Leicester on its existing boundary (Leicestershire County Council's proposal)
• Three councils with a council for north Leicestershire and Rutland, a council for south Leicestershire and one for the city on its existing boundary (Rutland's proposal)

The final proposal – known as North, City, South – is favoured by bosses at Rutland County Council.

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It would see Rutland join Charnwood, North West Leicestershire and Melton to form a bigger council for North Leicestershire and Rutland.

The south Leicestershire council would encompass Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Oadby and Wigston.

The case for North, City, South

Leader of Melton Borough Council Pip Allnatt (Labour) and speaking on behalf of the leaders of the North, City, South councils, said: "We are proud of what our councils deliver and do not believe the system is broken, but the government has made it clear that things have to change across the whole country. 

"Therefore, this represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset and reimagine local government in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and our proposal offers the best option available.

"The eight North, City, South councils have worked hard to develop a proposal which would deliver three strong, financially sustainable councils, capable of improving services and accelerating economic growth. 

"Our proposal is built on collaboration, evidence and engagement, with thousands of residents helping to shape the final document. 

"If things need to change, we believe North, City, South is the best way forward for our communities. I strongly urge residents, businesses, partners and organisations to take part in this consultation and have their say."

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Council chiefs in Rutland say their plan would:

• Ensure councils remain connected to communities
• Retain Leicester's current city boundary
• Deliver more prevention focused services to improve lives and reduce demand
• Save over £44 million a year
• Create three financially sustainable councils
• Support devolution and accelerate economic growth
• Commit to retaining Rutland's historic name and civic status

Leicestershire County Council's plan

Leader of Leicestershire County Council Dan Harrison (Reform) said: "This is a historic moment for local government and a chance to build councils that are leaner, more efficient and better equipped to meet future challenges.

"This consultation is an important opportunity for residents and organisations to review all of the proposals and share their views with the government.

"Our blueprint for 21st century local government would unite Leicestershire and Rutland under a single council and bring together the wealth of expertise and knowledge across all nine authorities."

Leicester City Council's proposal

Leicester City Council said it was proposing two unitary councils for LLR, including a sensible expansion of the city to include adjoining suburbs and room for growth. A second unitary council would cover the remaining rural areas of Leicestershire and Rutland, it added.

A spokesman said: "The city council has concluded that there is strong, evidenced justification for the expansion of city boundaries and that of all the options, our preferred proposal most convincingly addresses Government criteria."

City Mayor Peter Soulsby added: "This government consultation will give organisations and residents the chance to help shape the future of local government.

"We have a once in a generation opportunity to create a more rational and easily understood geography that reflects the city's growth, with a new model of governance for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area that must secure local prosperity for decades to come.

"It is a huge challenge, but one that presents immense opportunities.

"The consultation is a chance for everyone to have their voice heard and share their views on proposals that will impact services and communities for the next half century or more."

How to respond to the consultation 

You can have your say online by visiting:

https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/leicestershire-and-leicester-and-rutland/ 

Alternatively you can write to :

GR Consultation, Fry Building 2NE, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF

To respond by email or to ask for more information contact: [email protected]