Decision details

Reason for Decision: To enable the County Council to request that the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution allows the council to submit reorganisation proposals to Government by May 2025, recognising that the area needs reorganisation to unlock devolution, in accordance with the letter from the Minister of State dated 16 December 2024. Postponing the election will enable the Council to make progress with reorganisation and devolution in parallel. The Minister of State requires that requests for postponement and clear commitment to devolution and reorganisation aims are submitted by no later than 10 January 2025.
Consultations: This action has been taken in response to a request from the Acting Leader and following a meeting she had with members of the Cabinet. The Acting Leader has also met with the Elected Mayor of Leicester City Council and the Leader of Rutland Council to discuss a response to the Minister of State’s letter of 16 December, and she has also met with the Minister of State.
Equality Implications: Due to the complexity and scope of the proposal and possible wide scale impact of the changes proposed the Council will adopt a strategic approach to conducting Equality Impact Assessments during all programme phases and stages.

Decision Maker: Decision taken by the Chief Executive (following consultation with the Acting Leader), taking action between meetings which he considers is urgent in accordance with the provisions set out in Section D, Part 3 of this Constitution.
Decision: To request the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution to postpone the County Council elections from May 2025 to May 2026 and to provide a clear commitment to devolution and reorganisation in accordance with the letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution dated 16 December 2024.

Not submitting the request has been considered.