Full Breakdown
Leicestershire District Councils Threaten Legal Action Over Proposed Leicester Expansion
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Proposed Unitary Authority and Council Response
Five district councils in Leicestershire have sent a pre-action letter to central government urging the abandonment of a plan to create an enlarged Leicester unitary authority. The councils—Blaby, Harborough, North West Leicestershire, Oadby and Wigston, and Hinckley and Bosworth—said the proposal would abolish them if it proceeds and have raised concerns about the legality of the process. They indicated they are prepared to pursue judicial review.
Background of the Reorganisation Plan
The Labour government’s local-government reorganisation (LGR) scheme aims to replace the current ten councils in Leicestershire and Rutland with two new authorities. Under the plan, a larger Leicester authority would incorporate surrounding urban fringe areas, while the remainder of the county, together with Rutland, would be governed by a single unitary council. Public opposition has been significant; petitions signed by nearly 40,000 people have been collected by Conservative MPs.
Official Government Response
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) declined to comment on the potential legal proceedings, stating that it was not appropriate to do so at this stage.
Council Leaders’ Criticism
Hinckley and Bosworth council leader Stuart Bray argued that the proposal is a “stitch-up” driven by the Labour party and that substantial public opposition exists. He emphasized the councils’ willingness to challenge the plan in court.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We think the government is going down the wrong path with this and we are willing to look at taking this to judicial review.” — Stuart Bray