Single Unitary Council Proposal: Joint statement from Leaders of Harborough District Council and Oadby & Wigston Borough Council

The leaders of Harborough District Council and Oadby & Wigston Borough Council have issued the following joint statement in response to a media release issued by Leicestershire County Council on 9 January 2025. 

“The stance taken by Leicestershire County Council in their media statement about their proposals for a unitary city council with extended boundaries and a unitary council for the surrounding Leicestershire area is regrettable as there has been no consultation on their proposals. We understand the evidence behind their proposals relates to work completed years ago before the pandemic and does not take into account the feelings of local communities and local geography.
 
“Our residents must be at the heart of any changes that may be imposed upon local government by central government and we will fight tooth and nail to ensure that the government listen and understand the value of local communities and the places where these communities live and work.
 
“There must be meaningful discussion and consultation on any proposals to allow residents and communities to have a voice. We would expect that our MPs support our view and challenge central government in Westminster where decisions are being made rather than directing their attention at districts and boroughs.
 
“This process of devolution is not mandatory, just an expectation of central government, and MPs are not challenging that. Why? If necessary, the legal challenge route remains an option.
 
“We are very clear that the Harborough district and Oadby & Wigston borough are not broken. We deliver valuable services and have on-going plans to continually improve and transform our services for our residents and local communities.
 
“No decisions on any concession of land to Leicester City have been made and the stance and methods of communication taken by the county council are very disappointing at this stage. All options remain open as we are not against change, but cancelling elections and not giving residents a voice is clearly showing no respect for our residents and voters.”
 
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council and Cllr Samia Haq, Leader of Oadby & Wigston Borough Council