‘Rushed and remote’ plans to axe councils criticised by leaders
PROPOSALS that could see councils in Leicestershire disbanded and replaced are “rushed and remote”, according to the leaders of the authorities at risk.
The councillors in charge of the county’s seven district and borough councils have issued a joint statement on a plan to redraw Leicestershire’s political map and create a single unitary authority.
The major shake-up of local government is the vision of Conservative Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton. He has suggested his own authority could be disbanded along with the seven smaller councils and replaced with what he calls a “new model council”.
The idea, which would save the tax-payer £30 million a year in the long run and could open the door to closer collaboration with other East Midlands councils, has been met with a mixture of hostility, curiosity and indifference by county politicians.
The joint statement has been issued on behalf of Tory-led Harborough, Melton, Charnwood, North West Leicestershire, Blaby and Hinckley and Bosworth councils, as well as Lib Dem-run Oadby and Wigston Borough Council.
It says: “We as council leaders wish to adopt a collaborative approach to examine what may be the best way of delivering local services for residents in the county, and in the wider context of the East Midlands region.
“This new collaborative approach will examine what is both cost-effective in how services may be delivered and how best to retain their link with local residents. Such models may mean stronger district councils working within a combined authority or having multiple unitary authorities or whether the current structure is still the best way of delivering local services.
“We have a number of reservations as to the model proposed by the county council, not least the rushed timetable and it being too remote for local residents. However, we recognise it may be premature to rule it out at this early stage.”
All the leaders have promised to work together to “find the right solution for the residents of Leicestershire”.
They add: “We would invite the county council and others to join us in this approach as, collectively, we have the expertise to determine the best solution for our residents.”
North West Leicestershire’s leader Richard Blunt said: “The idea of joint authorities isn’t new in this area and other parts of the country have gone through the process. It’s very early days in this and we remain open-minded at this point.
“We could remain as we are now, we could create one large unitary authority or we could create some smaller unitary authorities across the county. I remain open to all options and will base any decision on evidence and what is right for North West Leicestershire residents.”
Coun Rushton said: “My cabinet has formally agreed to develop proposals for a unitary structure of local government in Leicestershire. I have expressed my preference for a single unitary council with delegation to town and parish councils.
“There will be outline proposals for the district councils to consider later in the year, when I will be happy to engage with them and other interested parties.
“I believe it is best to have some actual proposals on the table so we can begin a necessary public debate soon.”