Local Government Reorganisation: A message from Alberto Costa, your MP

Local Government Reorganisation: A message from Alberto Costa, your MP

Dear Resident,

The Government is proposing a major reorganisation of local government that would abolish existing district and county councils and replace them with much larger “unitary” authorities. While no final decision has yet been made, the outcome of this process will shape how local decisions are taken for decades to come.

The Government has now launched a public consultation, and it is vital that the voice of South Leicestershire is heard.

Like many residents, I am strongly opposed to any proposal that would expand Leicester City’s boundaries into our villages. Such an expansion would undermine local identity and weaken democratic accountability.

If change is imposed, it must minimise disruption and keep decision-making as local and locally led as possible. That is why I fully support the North, City, South proposal (option 3 in the Government’s consultation), which is backed by all district councils across Leicestershire and Rutland.

This proposal would create three unitary councils, including a South Leicestershire authority covering Harborough, Blaby, Oadby & Wigston, and Hinckley & Bosworth. It would protect existing communities, avoid the expansion of Leicester City, and create councils that are large enough to meet Government criteria while remaining close to the people they serve.

The alternative proposals are deeply concerning. An expanded City boundary would fundamentally alter our village communities, while a single Leicestershire “mega-council” of more than 730,000 people would be one of the largest and most centralised councils in the country - raising serious concerns about remoteness and democratic accountability.

The Government will make the final decision based on responses to its consultation, so public engagement is crucial. As you r local MP, I strongly encourage you to take part and to support the North, City, South proposal (option 3) should the Government proceed with its plans to abolish district councils. The consultation closes on 26 March 2026.

Yours faithfully,

Alberto Costa MP Member of Parliament for South Leicestershire