A joint statement by Rutland and Leicestershire's District Councils pushes for dividing proposed 'mega-council' into three smaller unitary councils. 

The statement, which was published on Friday 21st, outlines the council's proposal regarding Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation. 

The current proposal by Leicester Council proposes what local MP Alicia Kearns describes as a 'mega-council,' combining Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland under one large unitary council. 

Leicestershire Districts and Rutland Councils, however, disagree with this. Instead, they propose that dividing into three unitary councils to serve the region would better secure the benefits of devolution while ensuring the voice of local people is not lost. 

The three unitary councils preferred by Leicestershire Districts and Rutland Councils would be one to serve North Leicestershire and Rutland, one for South Leicestershire and one for the city of Leicester (based on current existing boundaries). 

In the published statement, the councils said: "We don't believe the current system is broken, but if it has to change it is absolutely vital we get this right for our communities, as what we do will affect how public services are delivered for many years to come. That's why we are taking a very balanced and measured approach and have put collaboration, evidence and communities at the heart of our considerations. 

"We have attempted multiple times to engage with the County Council to seek the best outcomes for our communities, but they have consistently refused to work with us, and they are now pushing forward with a unilateral, unbalanced and outdated proposal from six years ago which failed to find support then. A single county unitary for 800,000 people covering hundreds of square miles is far too large. 

"To be clear, nothing has been finalised, and today we are sharing our initial ideas. We will be engaging with our stakeholders and communities and want to hear their views so that collectively we build the best possible future for local government across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland." 

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READ MORE: Rutland MP sets out six tests to protect Rutland in future local government reorganisation including tax reductions and keeping Rutland's name

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