Tomorrow (21st March 2025) is the deadline for proposals on the future of local government in Leicestershire, and instead of a clear, collaborative vision, we have three competing proposals from the City Council, the County Council, and the District Councils.
It’s clear that these authorities have not properly engaged with each other with open minds. The County Council leader has flatly refused to consider splitting the county into two, despite this being the District Councils’ proposal. Meanwhile, Leicester City wants to expand its boundaries to take in most of Blaby District, making a split-county model unworkable. Yet the idea of a “doughnut” County Unitary Council surrounding the city is also something central government has said they don’t want.
What a mess—all because different councils cannot work together, despite many of the same councillors sitting on multiple authorities! Instead of putting forward a solution that works for residents, they are each fighting to protect their own turf.
We need change. We need local government that works together, not against itself. What do you think?
The City Council Proposal.
The District Councils Proposal.
