Letter to Prime Minister
In a cross-party show of unity, the leaders of the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green groups on Blaby District Council have backed a letter from Council Leader, Councillor Ben Taylor, to the Prime Minister about the Government's plans for Local Government Reorganisation across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The leaders are calling on the government to rethink proposed boundary changes that would affect communities across Blaby District.
They want reassurance that the new council arrangements will protect local communities, provide good quality services for residents.
The leaders share the disappointment felt by many residents following the government's decision to move forward with a two-unitary council model.
There are concerns about plans to move communities including Blaby, Braunstone Town, Countesthorpe, Enderby, Glenfield, Narborough and Whetstone into a Leicester Council unitary authority.
Questions have also been raised about whether the proposed Leicestershire and Rutland council would be financially sustainable in the long term.
The leaders also point to the strong public opposition across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This includes concerns raised by MPs and petitions that have attracted more than 30,000 signatures.
A joint statement from the leaders of the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green groups on Blaby District Council said: "This is about much more than changes to council boundaries. It is about communities with strong links to Blaby District and residents who care deeply about where they live.
"We have heard from residents who are angry and disappointed by these proposals and who feel their views have not been properly taken into account.
"This is an issue that goes beyond politics. While we may not agree on everything, we are united in standing up for the residents and communities we represent.
"We understand the Government's desire to change how local government is organised, but we do not believe these boundary changes are the right answer for Blaby District. We remain concerned about the impact they could have on local identity, local representation and the long-term future of local government in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
"We urge the Government to listen to these concerns, rethink the boundary changes and work with local communities to find a solution that has greater public support."
The group leaders stressed there will be no immediate impact on council services. Blaby District Council will continue to deliver services as normal while preparations for Local Government Reorganisation continue, with any new arrangements not expected to come into effect until April 2028.
Editors notes:
Group leaders:
• Cllr Ben Taylor – Leader of Blaby District Council and the Conservative Group
• Cllr Luke Cousin – Leader of Liberal Democrat Group
• Cllr Tony Deakin – Leader of the Green Group
The letter can be found here: Rt Hon Prime Minister Andy Burnham LGR
Councillor Ben Taylor
Leader of the Council