Leader responds to Leicester City’s council reorganisation proposal

Councillor Ben Taylor, Leader of Blaby District Council, has issued a statement in response to the publication of Leicester City Council's Scrutiny Report on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

The City Council's report outlines its preferred proposal is for a significant expansion of the city's boundaries, which is the same as they put forward earlier in the year. This would see the majority of Blaby District being absorbed into a new unitary Leicester City Council.

The report also includes an alternative option, Option 2, which proposes including the whole of Blaby District, Oadby & Wigston Borough, and Harborough District into the new Leicester City unitary authority.

Cllr Ben Taylor said: “I note that Option 2 - Leicester City Council’s model that includes Blaby District, Oadby & Wigston and Harborough District being included in the city is not their preferred option. However, I must be clear that neither of the options being proposed are acceptable.

“I believe that our North, City, South proposal offers a more balanced and responsive model for the future of local government. It is large enough to deliver essential services and close enough to respond quickly and appropriately to the needs of our communities.

“Our North, City, South proposal developed in partnership with all Leicestershire districts, boroughs and Rutland is backed by robust data and clear evidence, demonstrating why our three unitary council model is best for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Our summer engagement also made it clear; our communities support our North, City, South bid.”

Councillor Ben Taylor
Leader of the Council