Leaders of the seven district and borough councils in Leicestershire and Rutland met this morning to come up with a join response regarding Devolution and Local Government Organisation. 

This has come following an announcement by Leicestershire County Council that it would be unilaterally continuing with its proposal to create a single unitary authority for Leicestershire. Previously, LCC had also said that this would include Rutland but now Rutland is not included in this. 

In a joint statement from the Leaders of the district and borough councils in Leicestershire and Rutland, they said: "We are extremely disappointed that the County Council is continuing with its proposal to create one single unitary council for the whole of Leicestershire with no discussion or engagement with other councils. Our residents deserve better. 

"We don't believe the current system is broken, but if it is to change then we believe one single unitary serving 800,000 residents, one of the largest in the country, would be too remote, too cumbersome, too inaccessible and ultimately inefficient and unsustainable." 

They then go on to note that while it is good that LCC have listened to Rutland when they said they did not want to be part of one big unitary authority, the current proposal does not address how health, fire and police and local services will work with one large unitary council and no provision for the future of Rutland. 

In recent discussions of devolution, there have been concerns from the local MP, councils and residents that Rutland could lose its identity (Photo: Andrew Tallow)

The statement continues, "The district councils in Leicestershire and Rutland County Council are working together and engaging with stakeholders to develop proposals which will deliver localised, high-quality, efficient and sustainable public services for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. 

"Any new unitary councils should reflect the way people live their lives in that area and be aligned to where people live, work, shop and play. We are therefore exploring options for smaller unitary authorities which will serve our local communities' needs better, but also enhance future prosperity. Our proposals will be evidence led and backed by engagement with local communities, businesses and organisations. We will ensure they all have a meaningful voice in the process." 

The statement then says the councils will carry out a 'comprehensive package of public engagement,' as well as engage with stakeholders to find a solution to put forward.  

The statement concludes saying: "We want what is best for our residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and our door remains open to the County Council to work together in achieving this."