Gang of seven urge talks over future of local government

The leaders of Leicestershire County Council and the the seven district and borough councils in the county are at loggerheads over the future of local government in the county.

The impasse follows the County Council being asked by the Government to put forward unitary plans for the region.

The move would see Leicestershire County Council leader, Nick Rushton, write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which he says would helping to pave the way for an East Midlands devolution deal, boosting jobs, Covid-19 recovery and investment in the region.

Proposed next steps include refreshing the strategic business case which sets out the benefits of re-shaping local government in Leicestershire. Drawn up last year, the blueprint concluded that one, single unitary council – bringing together the eight county and district councils – which the County Council dsays offers the best opportunity to save money, reduce duplication and protect front line services.

Rushton said: “Now is the time for change. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to simplify services, save over £30m a year and improve lives.

“It also means we can put the East Midlands on the map. We’re expecting the Government to make reorganisation a condition for devolution. And with leaders in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire also working towards reform, we can unlock the possibility of a regional devolution deal – the 6Cs model – establishing a mayoral combined authority for the East Midlands, bolstering our ability to attract much-needed Government investment and level up the region.

“Doing nothing isn’t an option. Residents want easy access to effective, joined-up services – and be able to shape decisions that affect their communities. The current set up is bureaucratic, expensive and confusing – and we must put residents first and shake up the system. Exploring unitary puts us in control of our future and is our opportunity to move Leicestershire forward.

However, the leaders of Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby and Wigston district and borough councils say say they will be “fully involved” in any discussions about the future of local government and will “protect the interests” of residents and businesses.”

In a joint statement, the seven authorities said: ““The district and borough councils are continuing to focus their efforts on playing a crucial role in tackling the coronavirus pandemic and working hard to support communities and local businesses in these difficult times.

“That involves working with a range of partners, including Leicestershire County Council.

“At the beginning of the year we wrote to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in support of devolution and to make clear our willingness to work with government on its forthcoming devolution framework. The letter received a positive response.

“We are aware that a white paper about devolution and local recovery is expected shortly.

“The district and borough councils would like to be clear that our number one priority is continuing to help the people and businesses of Leicestershire through this crisis.

“However, should government initiate a consultation about the future of local government, the district and borough councils of Leicestershire will be fully involved and will ensure the interests of residents and businesses in our areas are protected. We are fully committed to the levelling-up agenda and the need to drive economic growth.

“We will continue to invite Leicestershire County Council to be involved in our discussions and would urge them to reciprocate.”