Councillors hold further discussions on devolution and local government reorganisation

Rutland County Councillors have held further discussions on the issue of devolution and local government reorganisation as part of a special meeting held in public on Tuesday 11 March.

National government has made devolution a priority and published a white paper that sets out plans to create a network of large strategic authorities covering the whole of England. These new authorities will be led by elected mayors and have responsibilities for strategic issues including transport, work and skills and economic growth.

As part of its devolution requirements, the government has made clear that it wants to see the end of two-tier working in local government. This will see the end of district and borough councils and county councils, as well as replacing small unitary councils with larger unitary council areas.

Government has identified that – uniquely in the East Midlands – there is no strategic mayoral authority nor plans for one covering Leicestershire, Leicester City or Rutland (LLR). It has therefore invited the councils within LLR to formulate proposals. A plan for a single unitary council covering the whole of Leicestershire and serving 800,000 residents has been announced by Leicestershire County Council. Leicestershire’s district and borough councils, together with Rutland County Council, have shared an initial preference for three unitary councils:

• one to serve North Leicestershire and Rutland (an area currently served by Charnwood, North West Leicestershire and Melton district and borough councils, and Rutland County Council)
• one for South Leicestershire (an area currently served by Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth and Oadby & Wigston district and borough councils)
• one for the city of Leicester (based on its existing boundaries)

Rutland’s Special Council Meeting on 11 March provided an opportunity for councillors to discuss these latest developments ahead of the Government’s 21 March deadline for interim plans. Interim plans are not binding and can describe more than one potential proposal for an area, if there is more than one option under consideration

“We are continuing to work to the timescales and criteria that have been set by Government in relation to devolution and reorganisation. This includes the deadline of 21 March 2025 for interim plans that show councils are working together. This checkpoint does not commit us to anything. The key date for all concerned is 28 November 2025, when full and final proposals must be submitted.

“Our options are limited at this stage. Neighbouring councils in Lincolnshire are still gathering evidence to support their planning. Leicester City’s position on expansion does not impact Rutland and Leicestershire County’s proposal for a one Leicestershire unitary council does not include us.  

“We have been engaging with residents, parish councils and partners to gather their views and feedback at this early stage. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contribute. Much more engagement will take place after March, ahead of the deadline for final proposals in November.

“Councillors at last night’s Special Meeting spoke passionately about Rutland and gave voice to a range of views, which are important for everyone to hear and consider.”

Councillor Gale Waller, Leader of Rutland County Council

For more information about devolution and local government reorganisation and to share your views, please visit our Devolution page.

The agenda and reports for Special Council on Tuesday 11 March can be found on our Meetings page, along with a video recording of the proceedings. Minutes from the meeting will be published within 10 days of the meeting date.