Super council proposal needs informed debate
COUNTY council leader Nick Rushton has again insisted his plans to abolish districs are not a “take-over” by County Hall.
His expressed desire to scrap the two tiers of councils and switch to unitary status has ignited controversy since he announced the proposal last month.
He said he will not be making any further comments on the issue while his proposals are formalised over the summer.
The seven district and borough authorities – and county – would be replaced with a single new model council.
Coun Rushton said this could save £30 million a year and open the door to a wider strategic alliance with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to get more devolved powers for the East Midlands.
“I have had some supportive comments from stakeholders, which is pleasing, and I have spoken with our county MPs,” Coun Rushton said.
“It is true to say some have their concerns.
“It is very important we keep the channels of communication open, given the sensitivity of this issue, and to ensure the process is open and transparent.
“I very much hope we can create a strategic alliance with our colleagues in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to boost our economy and create opportunities for investment.”
“Some members of the press have accused us of a county takeover. It is not.
“It is an abolition of the county council and the districts and the creation of a new model council for Leicestershire.
“I don’t want to be constantly making comments about this now.
“People know my views. I now want to hear the views of vice-chancellors, of Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Partnership, the health industry.
He said he had had some supportive e-mails from members of the public and that he would be travelling to London to try to persuade MPs who are hostile to the idea.
A full public consultation on more detailed proposals is planned for early next year.
Coun Rushton said: “I have decided to start a debate about how best to deliver local government services in Leicestershire.
“It’s important we consider sensible options to get a better deal for our taxpayers and those who rely on public services.
“For now, we must accept the twotier local government system is broken.
“It’s bureaucratic, old-fashioned, confusing, inefficient and takes money away from frontline services.
“One 21st-century council would reduce duplication of services, save at least £30 million each year and improve services.
“Working with parishes and creating town councils in places like Loughborough and Coalville would also enable us to build stronger links with communities, giving residents a greater say in local services.
“Other unitary councils are already experiencing these benefits.
“We now need to spend time exploring and working up more detailed options for the structure of local government in Leicestershire, drawing on research and the experiences of other councils.
“Seeking the views of residents, district councils, MPs, businesses, universities and others is key and I look forward to a constructive and informed debate.”