Council leader responds to local government reorganisation update

The government has today provided an update on its review of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decisions in a number of areas across the country.

While decisions have been announced to progress for some areas, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has been advised the government has withdrawn its July 2026 decision to create two new unitary councils by April 2028, one covering a larger city and another for the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland.

The government remains committed to the LGR process and have set out that further LGR decisions will be forthcoming.

Today’s update means that council services will continue as normal and there is no need for residents, businesses or community groups to do anything. We now await further detail and will provide updates as information becomes available.

Local council elections, including for Blaby District Council, are still planned for 6 May 2027.

Councillor Ben Taylor, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: "Today's announcement is welcome news for Blaby District’s communities. The government has recognised that there are still important questions to be answered and has decided to revisit its previous decision.

"While this is a positive step, it also extends a period of uncertainty for councils, residents and staff. We now need the government to use this time wisely, carefully consider the evidence and listen to local communities. Having chosen to revisit its previous decision, we hope this process leads to a fresh assessment of what is best for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, with the voices of local communities playing a meaningful role in shaping the outcome.

"Importantly, Council services will continue as normal during this process."

Councillor Ben Taylor
Leader of the Council