**Special Edition News and features from Harborough District Council Special Edition**

What is changing and why?

In December 2024, the government published its English Devolution White Paper. 

This set out its plans for devolution and as part of that, the government asked councils to work together to formulate plans for future restructuring, to reduce the number of councils. It wants to replace district, borough and county councils in Leicestershire and Rutland with new unitary authorities.

You can read more on the government website.

In response, we have worked with district and borough councils in Leicestershire and Rutland County Council to set out a proposed plan called the North City South plan. 

What is the North City South plan?

The North, City, South plan proposes:

• The areas currently served by Charnwood, North West Leicestershire and Melton district and borough councils, and Rutland County Council, would be served by one unitary authority (North Leicestershire and Rutland)

• The areas currently served by Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth and Oadby & Wigston district and borough councils would be served by another unitary authority (South Leicestershire)

• Leicester City would continue to be a unitary authority

It is described in detail at https://www.northcitysouth.co.uk

What are the benefits of the North City South proposal?

In summary, the North, City, South plan will:

• Keep councils connected and accountable to local communities
• Simplify services for residents, businesses and partners
• Protect and support the vulnerable and focus on prevention
• Deliver devolution and economic growth
• Boost efficiency, saving nearly £43 million a year

The North, City, South plan offers a balanced council structure with three councils of around 400,000 residents. 

The plan outlines how the balanced geographies for the new councils would ensure they can retain connection and accountability to local communities. 

Grassroots democracy would be enhanced and, subject to local views, opportunities would be explored to create town or parish councils in key settlements.  

Neighbourhood working would be strengthened through empowered elected members, area-based teams and vibrant community partnerships, and the approach would preserve local identity and civic pride. The importance of preserving Rutland County’s historic ceremonial county status is fully recognised. 

Services would be simplified by councils across sensible geographies being delivered by one authority. 

The plan sets out a greater focus on prevention and working with all partners to help people live healthier and more independent lives by ensuring they have access to the support services they need. 

The plan supports economic growth as the North, City, South model best fits the government’s devolution agenda which will help unlock the region’s economic potential, delivering millions of pounds of public and private sector investment. 

Savings would be delivered through factors including the reduced number of senior managers and councillors and economies of scale in procurement and commissioning.

Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council have also submitted interim plans to government proposing alternative future council structures. You can find out more about their plans on their websites.

Have your say before 20 July 2025

Please take this opportunity to get involved and have your say on our proposals - your views will help to influence the final decision on local government in our area which will be made by the government.

We're seeking views from residents, organisations, businesses and other stakeholders.

You have until 20 July 2025 to tell us what you think by visiting https://www.northcitysouth.co.uk. 

Paper copies of the survey are available at the offices of the councils involved in the North, City, South plan - Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth District Council, Melton Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and Rutland County Council.

Other methods, including focus groups, are also being used to engage residents, organisations and businesses.

Don't miss this opportunity to help shape the future of public services in Leicestershire.