Moving the Deck Chairs-Again!
Local government reorganisation is upon us yet again. The UK has undergone several rounds of local government reorganisation over the decades, with the most significant changes occurring in the 1990s, 2009, and 2019-2023. The current reorganisation aims to simplify local government structures by ending the two-tier system and establishing new single-tier unitary councils. This reform is expected to be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen local councils and improve public services. The first elections to the new councils are planned for May 2027, with the new councils beginning operation on April 1, 2028.
The current Labour Government rationalises that nearly a third of England’s population, around 20 million people, live in areas with two-tier local government with services and functions split across county and district council.
This slows down decision making and delivery, leads to fragmented public services, sees money wasted on duplication and makes it unclear who is responsible for what and where accountability lies.
Their ambition is to simplify local government, by ending the two-tier system and establishing new single-tier unitary councils.
“This is a once in a generation reform and our vision is clear: stronger local councils empowered across local services, equipped to drive economic growth, improve local public services and empower their communities.” (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-government-reorganisation-policy-and-programme-updates).
Locally a ‘bun fight’ is taking place between the City Council and the District and County Councils who have put forward a number of options with distinct differences [1] The deadline for submitting alternative proposals was 28th November 2025, and there will be a further public consultation early next year before a decision is made and the new councils begin to operate from 2028.
Three alternatives have been put forward as options: –
- The North, City, South plan will see North and South Leicestershire Council with a separate Leicester city council containing its current boundaries. This is favoured by all seven Leicestershire district and borough councils and Rutland County Council.
- County Hall’s proposal would result in one large super council for Leicestershire and a city council with existing borders.
- Leicester City Council wants to expand its reach to include neighbouring areas, such as Syston, Oadby and Anstey, to raise its population to 623,000 from around 372,000. Melton borough and Rutland would both be part of the North Leicestershire Council if the North, City, South plan is approved.
As with all such matters one can argue the merits of all three proposals. However, the only one which produces equal population sizes (circa 400,000) is the North, City, South plan option. County Hall’s proposal would result in one large super council for Leicestershire and a city council with existing borders. The City Council proposal sees it expand its reach to include neighbouring areas, such as Syston, Oadby and Anstey, to raise its population to 623,000 from around 372,000.
Early in 2026 you will have the chance to cast your vote in favour of one of the options. It is important that you do so as the consequences of the decision will affect us all for decades to come.
[1] Melton Times, Rival plans submitted to reorganise councils in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, Nick Rennie, Published 28th Nov 2025, 16:19 GMT
