Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

14th March 2026 | Councils

Consultation Leicester, Leicestershire And Rutland

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is conducting a statutory consultation on proposals to reorganise local government structures across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Background

Following an invitation from the Secretary of State, councils in the area submitted proposals for creating unitary authorities (single-tier councils delivering all local government services). Three proposals were submitted on 28 November 2025.

The Three Proposals

1 Proposal from Leicester City Council

Two unitary councils, involving boundary changes and splitting parts of district areas:

Expanded City
  • Leicester
  • Oadby and Wigston
  • Selected parishes from Blaby, Charnwood and Harborough
Unitary Authority 2
  • Remaining areas of Blaby, Charnwood and Harborough
  • Hinckley and Bosworth
  • Melton
  • North West Leicestershire
  • Rutland

This option includes the most significant boundary restructuring.

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2 Proposal from Leicestershire County Council

Two unitary councils, retaining all existing boundaries:

Leicestershire Unitary
  • Blaby
  • Charnwood
  • Harborough
  • Hinckley and Bosworth
  • Melton
  • North West Leicestershire
  • Oadby and Wigston
  • Rutland
Leicester City (remains unchanged)

    This option keeps Leicester City separate and merges the rest into one new authority.

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    3 Proposal from District & Borough Councils (including Blaby District Council and others)

    Three unitary councils:

    North
    • Charnwood
    • North West Leicestershire
    • Melton
    • Rutland
    South
    • Blaby
    • Harborough
    • Hinckley and Bosworth
    • Oadby and Wigston
    Leicester City (remains unchanged)

    This model creates two new county-based unitaries (North & South) plus Leicester City.

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    Consultation Details

    • Opened: 5 February 2026
    • Closes: 26 March 2026 (23:59)
    • Duration: 7 weeks

    How to Respond

    Complete the online survey – url.td/vY8Qm or email responses to: lgrconsultationresponse@communities.gov.uk

    Written responses should clearly state which proposal you are addressing and include:

    1) Your name and

    2) the Council area where your home or organisation is located:

    • Leicester City Council
    • Leicestershire County Council
    • Rutland County Council

    Kevin Feltham