People in Hinckley, Leicestershire, are being asked for their views on a major plan to change how local councils are run. The statutory consultation, launched on 5 February 2026, asks residents to comment on three competing proposals to replace the current two‑tier system of county and district councils with single‑tier unitary authorities.
Leicestershire County Council is proposing a single unitary council for Leicestershire and Rutland, saying it would save around £40 million a year and simplify services. A coalition of district and borough councils — including Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council — is instead backing a “North, City, South” proposal that would create three unitary authorities to keep decision‑making closer to local communities.
The reorganisation is driven by the government’s devolution agenda. The December 2024 English Devolution White Paper set out expectations that two‑tier areas should streamline to access certain devolved powers and funding. Leicestershire County Council is now led by a Reform UK minority administration; the county council’s single‑unitary proposal includes the £40m savings estimate.
Residents have until 11:59pm on 26 March 2026 to submit their views via the government consultation portal. A final decision is expected by summer 2026, and new authorities would be expected to be operational from 1 April 2028.
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