Feedback wanted before LCC's interim plan is sent to the Government - One Council for Leicestershire

One Council for Leicestershire - The Government wants to change how local councils are run.

The Government has made it clear it wants to move away from 'two tier' local government, so plans are being drawn up to create one council for Leicestershire (excluding Rutland and Leicester City), forging stronger links with communities, reducing duplication and simplifying local government.

Click here as Deborah Taylor, acting leader of Leicestershire County Council explains their 'one council for Leicestershire' proposal.

Benefits

Bringing together eight councils into one single body would:

• Save around £30 million, every year - through fewer managers, chief executives and councillors.
• Enable savings - to be reinvested in front line services
• Make it easier to get support - by giving residents clear and simple access to all services, whether by phone, online, or through local area committees.
• Future-proof services – protecting the support residents depend on at a time when local government is facing spiralling costs.
• Improve support for vulnerable people – by joining up health, social care and housing services.
• Give communities a stronger voice – local area committees would have greater influence over decision-making.
• Boost accountability – reducing confusion over who is responsible for what.

Timescales

Initial proposals need to be submitted by 21 March with a more detailed plan completed by November.

What it could mean for residents

• One set of rules for recycling - wherever you live or work
• The right support in one place - no need to call a number of different councils
• Road sign query? Get it sorted by calling one team - not the different councils responsible for different signs
• Better support for vulnerable people - by joining up health, social care and housing services
• A countywide leisure pass - offering access to centres across Leicestershire
• One system for benefits and Council Tax collection
• One 'local plan' - making sure development is in the right place and it easier to secure investment from housing developers to pay for roads, schools and other vital infrastructure
• A joint trading standards and environmental health team - making it easier for businesses
• Strong local voices - councillors championing your local community and batting for you on every issue, from planning to social care

Feedback

We are asking for initial feedback, before our interim plan is sent to the Government. Please complete the feedback form(Link is external and opens in new window).