Local Government Reorganisation Initial Engagement

Overview

The Government has made devolution a priority and set out plans to create a network of large Strategic Authorities that will cover the whole of England.

These new authorities will be led by elected mayors and have responsibilities for strategic issues including transport, work and skills and growth.

As part of devolution requirements, the Government has also made it clear it wishes to see the end of two-tier working in Local Government. This will see the end of district and borough councils, county councils and small unitary councils. In their place will be new unitary councils.

Working together, Leicestershire’s district and borough councils and Rutland County Council are looking at how they can make this a positive change for residents, businesses and communities.

This is about much more than a council. It’s about making sure local government is big enough to succeed but small enough to connect with the people it serves.

We’ve taken our time and chosen to work together because we think this approach will achieve the best outcome for the thousands of people who rely on the services provided by local government.

Why your views matter

Councils looking at local government reorganisation need to submit an interim plan by 21 March 2025. Because this initial deadline is so tight, we’re carrying out some initial engagement to help shape our interim plans.

By sharing your views on what you think about devolution, you can help us to to shape these plans at this early stage.

A more comprehensive package of public engagement will follow this summer to help us develop final proposals that must be submitted by 28 November 2025.