The police and crime commissioner for Rutland and Leicestershire has called on council leaders to work together and involve the public as 'it is important that we get this right'. 

Commissioner Rupert Matthews has written an open letter to the acting leader of Leicestershire County Council Deborah Taylor (Con) and the city's Labour mayor Peter Soulsby (Lab) to request their two authorities make a change in how they are handling devolution matters. 

The government wants all councils to reorganise into large unitary authorities and talks have been taking place within Leicestershire. However, the letter put into government last month from Leicester County Council angered the other districts and the two authorities have not held any full council meetings on the issue, instead leaving the leaders to make decisions. After local government reorganisation, there is then the possibility of creating a larger strategic authority which would deal with wider planning and infrastructure matters. 

In his letter commissioner Mr Matthews said: "Of course, the submitting of a proposal for local devolution is largely in your hands as the leaders of our top tier authorities. However, it is important for the residents, businesses and organisations of our area that we get this right. It is also vital that we take the people with us on this journey.  History has taught us that reforms that are forced upon an unwilling public are likely to lead to resentment, dissatisfaction and, ultimately, to failure.  

"We live in a democracy and it is vital that the public and their democratically elected representatives are fully engaged in the making of important decisions that affect them.  

"While the principle of the devolution deals being introduced by this government have a democratic mandate from the result of the 2024 General Election, the details of the deal affecting Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland do not. If whatever deal results from this process is to have a chance of success it is vital that the people or their elected representatives have a voice.  

"The process of local government reorganization is a complex one. The main focus of the national government to date has been on economic issues. However, it is also important to take into account local loyalties among our residents, the importance of transparent lines of democratic responsibility and the accountability of those managing the reorganization.  Many different organisations will be involved in this process.  

"The expertise, experience and knowledge of the leaders of these organisations will be important in ensuring that a transition takes place smoothly. Their input will also be vital to ensuring that the final shape of the devolution deal works effectively and efficiently to the benefit of all residents, businesses and organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland." 

He has suggested the area takes the lead from other areas where round tables of local senior politicians have been created. He wants his own office plus the Leicestershire and Rutland councils, health, fire and police services to be included. 

The councils have until the end of this month to put in their final proposals to the government. Rutland's full council decided this week that any decision would need a vote of the full council first.  

Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council have been approached for comment.