Leicestershire County Council is moving forward with plans to replace district and borough councils with a single unitary authority, aiming to streamline services and cut costs. The proposal excludes Leicester City and Rutland and is expected to be submitted to the Government next month.
The county council argues that consolidating governance into one authority would save approximately £30 million annually, compared to £10 million if the county were split into two unitary councils. Acting leader Cllr Deborah Taylor emphasized that a single authority would avoid service inconsistencies and duplication of administrative functions.
District and borough councils remain opposed to a two-authority model, citing concerns that a single council would be too large and disconnected from local needs. However, the county council plans to establish local area committees and expand the role of parish and town councils to maintain community engagement.
The council also reversed its previous position on expanding Leicester City’s boundaries, originally intended to support its financial sustainability and meet housing targets. The shift followed the Government’s rejection of the council’s request to delay local elections, though ministers did not provide a specific reason for the rejection.
