Rutland has joined with Leicestershire district and borough councils to submit a bid for three new unitary councils for the area. 

After several months of discussions, data analysis, public fallout and debate, Rutland County Council's leadership has sent off its final submission to the government today, confirming that it is backing a proposal for three new unitary authorities. 

Rutland wants to join with its neighbours in Melton, Charnwood, and North Leicestershire to form a new unitary covering the North of area, while Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, and Oadby and Wigston would form a South council and the city would stay as it is. 



North City South Plan (Photo: LDRS)

The plan would see the existing 10 councils, which include the Leicester city and the county council, disbanded to form the new beefed up unitary trio. 

Leicester's city and county council have submitted alternative bids, and the government will make the final decision on what new authorities are formed. That decision is expected in the summer. 

Cllr Pip Allnatt (Labour), leader of Melton Borough Council, issued a statement today on behalf of all the eight authorities backing the North, City, South plan, which said: "The North, City, South proposal represents a united vision from eight councils, cutting across political boundaries to put communities first. 

"North, City, South is about creating strong, sustainable councils that can deliver better services, unlock investment, and accelerate growth. 

"We've listened to residents, businesses, and partners, and their feedback has shaped this plan. 

"It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to move from reacting to problems to preventing them helping people earlier and improving lives. 

"Local government isn't broken, but Government has made it clear that change is needed. 

"This plan offers a clear, credible direction for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland for decades to come." 

The new councils are expected to come into force in 2028. Before then there will be shadow authorities which will amalgamate and rejig existing services.