TEN council leaders from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have written to the Government to confirm their unanimous preference to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) for the area.
In a letter to First Secretary of State Louise Haigh, they state that following the Government’s decision on local government reorganisation, an MSA offers the strongest platform for strategic leadership, economic growth and investment across the newly defined area.
The leaders also call for further clarity from Government on the timetable for the implementation of the MSA, and on the devolved powers and potential funding opportunities that would be available.
This follows on from a letter sent in January 2025 to the then Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon. Signed by Leicester’s City Mayor, and the leaders of Leicestershire and Rutland county councils, this said that all three authorities wanted to progress as quickly as possible towards an MSA once local government reorganisation had been delivered.
At that time, they said it was recognised by all stakeholders that the Devolution White Paper set out a once in a generation opportunity for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, which potentially could deliver substantial benefits to local residents.
The council leaders have asked for a response from the Government for consideration at their next leaders’ meeting which takes place in September.