Local councils to explore potential strategic partnership

Following the retirement of the Chief Executive at Harborough District Council earlier this year, the local authority has been exploring the option of creating a partnership with another council. An initial assessment has identified Melton Borough Council as a suitable fit and their preferred partner.

Following the decision to progress the development of a business case at a Cabinet meeting on Monday 10 October 2022, Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Early discussions with the Leader of Melton Borough Council have been very positive and we feel there is potential for even greater collaboration between the two councils which could bring opportunities, including greater resilience in the services we deliver to our communities.

“We now need to develop a business case and listen to the views of our key stakeholders to make sure that we have fully explored the opportunities and risks associated with any partnership. The business case report will be considered at our Council meeting in December along with more detailed discussions before a final decision is made.”

Harborough District Council and Melton Borough Council already collaborate on several services including Lifeline (personal alarm systems), out of hours service and parking enforcement. This would be the first time two district authorities in Leicestershire have considered a formal partnership arrangement together offering the ability to reduce duplication, increase capacity and have a deeper understanding of the needs of their communities.

The councils will be engaging with a number of stakeholders while developing the business case and talking to other successful strategic partnerships between councils to identify areas of best practice.