Leader reacts to pause in council reform

Yesterday, Monday 7 September, we received confirmation from government that it is undertaking a review of a number of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decisions, including the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland proposal. 

For the moment councils have been told to stop all work around LGR while the review takes place. We have no timeline yet for when the review will be completed but we have been assured decisions will be set out as soon as possible. Next year’s local elections in May will now take place as scheduled on existing council boundaries. 

Responding to the announcement, Councillor Ben Taylor, Leader of Blaby District Council said: "While I welcome the news the government has pressed pause on LGR and will review the decisions made in July, I am deeply frustrated by how this process has been handled.  

"For almost two years, councils, residents, businesses and our dedicated officers have invested significant time, effort and resources in a process that was imposed on local government.

"We engaged constructively throughout, listening to our communities, attending countless meetings and providing detailed evidence on how local government reform could best serve residents.  

“When the decision was announced in July, many people felt their views had been ignored. The proposal to expand Leicester City’s boundary and split Blaby District never had the support of our residents. 

"This review is a welcome opportunity to correct that. While local government reform can bring benefits, changes of this scale must be shaped by the communities they affect. Local people and local councils are best placed to determine what works for their areas. Any future decisions must be built on evidence, genuine local support and respect for local identity. 

"Throughout this process we have stood up for the people of Blaby District and we will continue to do so. Of course, it is frustrating that so much time and effort has already been invested in LGR, but we are a responsive and resilient authority, well equipped to deal with change. Our focus remains on providing the best possible services to our residents and that commitment will continue, whatever changes and challenges lie ahead."

Councillor Ben Taylor
Leader of the Council