Council Leader responds as government withdraws reorganisation decision

While decisions have been announced to progress for some areas, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has been advised the Government has withdrawn its July 2026 decision to create two new unitary councils by April 2028, one covering a larger city and another for the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland.

The Government remains committed to the LGR process and have set out that further LGR decisions will be forthcoming.

Today’s update means that council services will continue as normal and there is no need for residents, businesses or community groups to do anything. We now await further detail and will provide updates as information becomes available.

Local council elections are still planned for 6 May 2027.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Leader, Cllr Stuart Bray said: "I have opposed local government reorganisation from the start, and this is a welcome and significant change of direction from the Government and, above all, a victory for the people of Hinckley and Bosworth, who have made their views clear throughout this process.

"Residents, businesses and community groups have consistently stood up for our borough, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure their voices were heard. We will continue to represent and champion the interests of the people of Hinckley and Bosworth at every stage of the discussions ahead. Communities deserve clarity, consistency and confidence in decisions that will shape the future of local services.

"For now, council services will continue as normal, and local elections will take place as planned in May 2027. We await further details from Government and will continue to make the case for arrangements that protect local identity, deliver high-quality services and give our communities a strong voice in their future."