Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council statement on devolution plans

The leader of Hinckley's borough council has responded to the announcement it will be scrapped.

The Government has announced its decision on local government reorganisation for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Three proposals to reorganise the existing 10 councils were put forward and considered by Government.

Government has confirmed that from April 2028 there will be two unitary councils to deliver all services to residents in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Those councils will be: 

•    A unitary council covering Leicester, Oadby and Wigston and parts of Blaby, Charnwood, and Harborough  
•    A unitary council for the remaining area of Leicestershire and Rutland

This means that the whole of Hinckley and Bosworth will be in the council covering the remaining area of Leicestershire and Rutland.

A website called Future Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (www.futurellrcouncils.gov.uk) has been created and will contain a range of information to help you understand local government reorganisation and how it will impact residents. Importantly, nothing changes immediately.  

All council services are continuing as usual. There is no need for residents to do anything at this time.  Any significant changes will only come into effect in 2028.

Following the announcement Council Leader for Hinckley & Bosworth Stuart Bray said: 

"I have consistently argued that borough councils like Hinckley & Bosworth provide strong local services, local knowledge and close connections with the communities they serve. While I do not believe abolishing district and borough councils is the right approach, the Government has made its decision, and our focus must now be on securing the best possible outcome for residents. This was not part of Labour's election manifesto, and many people will question whether there is a clear mandate for changes of this scale. I hope the new Prime Minister listens carefully to local communities as these reforms progress.

"We will continue to be a strong voice for this borough, working with partners across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to protect local services, represent our communities, supporting our staff and influence the future arrangements. Throughout this process, our priority will be standing up for residents and ensuring Hinckley & Bosworth's interests are not overlooked."