Council group leaders united in support of NCS proposal

Political leaders from all parties at Blaby District Council have issued a joint statement confirming their collective support for the North, City, South (NCS) proposal for local government reorganisation.

The Government has set a challenging deadline of 28 November 2025 for councils to submit proposals as part of its plans to replace the current two-tier system of local councils with unitary authorities. 

While Blaby District Council believes the existing system serves residents well, leaders agree that if reorganisation must happen, the NCS model offers the best solution for communities in Blaby District.

The NCS proposal, developed in partnership with other Leicestershire borough and district councils and Rutland County Council, would create three financially sustainable, similar-sized unitary councils for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.  

In their joint statement, all political group leaders said: "On balance, and after careful consideration, we agree that if local government reorganisation is imposed, the North, City, South model is our preferred choice for our communities. It reflects months of collaboration and evidence-based planning, and it safeguards what matters most to our communities, local identity and strong effective services.

"The Government's timetable has been extremely tight; we have worked hard to respond constructively and responsibly through the democratic process. Our priority remains clear, to protect the interests of our residents and ensure any future structure builds on the strengths of our current system. 

"This proposal is about building on what we do well and creating even better opportunities for our communities. We have worked hard to retain the very best of Blaby’s values. Our residents remain at the heart of everything we do. 

"The final NCS proposal is due to be submitted to Government on 28 November 2025. We will then await the Government’s decision and hope they recognise the evidence and ambition behind this vision for three strong, connected unitary authorities.” 

Notes to editors 

The political leaders of Blaby District Council are listed below: 

Cllr Ben Taylor – Leader of Blaby District Council and the Conservative Group 

Cllr Luke Cousin – Leader of Liberal Democrat Group 

Cllr Nick Brown – Leader of the Labour Group 

Cllr Tony Deakin – Leader of the Green Group