Issue - meetings

The Leader of the Council presented the report. Additionally, he thanked Members from all parties for their contribution to the debate at full Council on 20 February 2025, and said he would consult regularly with the Leader of the Opposition.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor K Merrie, and

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The work being undertaken by the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council to respond to the government’s English Devolution White Paper by the deadline of 21 March 2025, be noted.

2.    That the views of members of the Council expressed at its meeting on 20 February 2025 will also be considered as part of the process, be noted.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in liaison with the Leader of the Council, to submit a joint response with the other district and borough councils in Leicestershire and Rutland County Council on a suggested approach to local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to meet the Government’s deadline of 21 March 2025.

4.    That further stakeholder engagement will be undertaken leading up to the submission of a final proposal by 28 November 2025, be noted.

Reason for decision: It is a Cabinet function to consider and make proposals in relation to local government reorganisation. Due to the tight timescales, a delegation is required to enable an initial response to be provided by the deadline of 21 March 2025 on a possible approach to local government reorganisation in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. This would be subject to wider stakeholder engagement prior to final proposals being submitted by 28 November 2025.