Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Chief Executive, Director of Law and Governance, and Director of Corporate Resources regarding the interim plan for local government reorganisation in Leicestershire.  A presentation on the recommended outline of the interim plan was given at the meeting.  Both papers are filed with these minutes, marked “Agenda Item 4”. 

Comments of the Scrutiny Commission, which had considered a report on the matter at its meeting on 10 March, were circulated separately and a copy is filed with these minutes.

In presenting the papers, the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Resources highlighted the importance of reorganisation in unlocking opportunities for devolution, the rationale for the recommended approach including financial considerations, initial proposals for local decision-making in a new unitary council, and wide-ranging consultation planned to take place later in the year.

Members of the Cabinet expressed their strong support for a single unitary council for Leicestershire.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the outcome of the early engagement undertaken on the proposals for local government reorganisation including the comments of the Scrutiny Commission be noted;

b)    That the outline of the interim plan be approved for submission to the Government by the deadline of 21 March 2025;

c)    That the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Acting Leader, the Director of Corporate Resources and Director of Law and Governance, be authorised to finalise the interim plan for submission to the Government provided that this does not change the underlying principles as presented in the report.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The letter received from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution on 5 February set out the formal invitation to all local authorities in remaining two-tier areas and neighbouring unitary authorities to develop a proposal for local government reorganisation and required interim plans to be submitted to the Government by 21 March 2025.