LEICESTER’S historic and outdated city boundaries will be extended as part of the biggest shake-up of local government in over 50 years.
The city council has welcomed the news as part of the Government’s decision on local government reorganisation for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
In its announcement today (16 July), the Government confirmed that from 1 April 2028 there will be two unitary councils to deliver services to residents across the city, county and Rutland.
Those councils will be:
- A new unitary council for Leicester, Oadby and Wigston and parts of Blaby, Charnwood and Harborough.
- A new unitary council for the remaining area of Leicestershire, as well as Rutland.
The decision follows a government consultation launched earlier this year.
Responding to the announcement, City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The sensible expansion of Leicester’s historically constrained boundary was always our preferred option for the Government’s reorganisation of local government in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
“Leicester has grown dramatically over the last century, and the boundary extension confirmed by Government will finally reflect that growth.
“This is by no means an exceptional measure. In the 1970s, many English cities had their boundaries extended. Leicester wasn’t one of them. As a result, we have been one of the most tightly constrained major cities in the UK.
“The Government’s decision to extend the city’s boundary will belatedly bring us into line with other cities, removing the illogical and confusing split that exists in our built-up urban area.
“It will give people who live in the surrounding areas, just beyond the existing border, a much greater say in the governance and future of the city which will be good for local democracy.
“These two new, larger unitary authorities will deliver more efficient and cost-effective council services in ways that better reflect where people live and will support the future growth and prosperity of both our city and county.
“We will be working closely with other councils to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for both residents and staff.”
An implementation team, comprising of senior officers from all affected councils, together with joint councillor committees for each new council, will lead the transition to the two new unitary authorities.
Local elections for the two new, larger councils will take place in May 2027.
Councillors elected will then lead on setting up the new councils, operating in a 'shadow’ capacity until vesting day on 1 April 2028. This is when the existing city, county and district existing councils will be dissolved and the new, larger councils will officially take over.
In the meantime, all existing councils will continue to operate as normal, with no change to how residents access services.
To stay informed and follow the latest updates, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/lgr