District leaders call for collaboration

The leaders have written to the county council this week and urged it to consider dropping its recently announced proposal to investigate creating a single unitary authority for Leicestershire.

They have called for an urgent meeting of the leaders of the district, city and county councils to discuss a more collaborative approach.

The letter has been sent by leaders of Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby and Wigston councils.

The leaders’ joint letter can be seen here.

Cllr Neil Bannister, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I am pleased with the unified and collaborative approach of the District and Borough Councils which is a most welcome way to work together. We want to explore what the best models of local government would be to deliver good quality services for our communities in the most effective and efficient way that generates widespread support. I will always have the best interests of the residents of Harborough District in these discussions. I hope very much that the County Council will see the sense in joining in this collaborative approach and not to press on with just one option that may not be sustainable.”.