Hundreds of residents responded to Alicia Kearns MP’s survey on Local Council Re-Organisation, revealing two-thirds of respondents (67%) did not support the Re-Organisation of Local Councils.
The Government's reforms mean District Councils like South Kesteven and Harborough District Councils, and smaller Unitary Councils like Rutland, will be replaced with larger Unitary Councils.
When given the choice of five possible outcomes for Local Government Re-Organisation, the strongest support among Rutland residents was for the South Lincolnshire and Rutland model (64%). This covers North Kesteven, South Kesteven, South Holland and Rutland. By contrast, options involving Leicester or a single Leicestershire unitary received almost no support.
For Stamford and South Kesteven village residents, out of six options, three-quarters (75%) supported the South Lincolnshire and Rutland model. This covers North Kesteven, South Kesteven, South Holland and Rutland. Across the responses there was strong opposition to larger Lincolnshire models, with Lincoln seen as too distant from Stamford and local concerns.
Harborough village residents gave the strongest support (37.5%) for the South Leicestershire Council model out of five options to choose from. This covers Harborough, Blaby, Hinckley and Bosworth, and Oadby and Wigston. The second most popular option (25%) among Harborough village residents was keeping the current Council as it is.
An overwhelming 96% of residents who responded from the Harborough villages opposed the expansion of Leicester City to absorb parts of Harborough.
Alicia has shared the survey results with the Leaders of Rutland County Council, South Kesteven District Council and Harborough District Council to ensure residents’ views are reflected in the next stage of negotiations for Local Government Re-Organisation.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
“These reforms will determine how our communities are served for decades to come, so it is vital residents are properly consulted.
“The clear strength of local feeling against the changes underlines the need to fight for an outcome which protects residents’ needs and the future of our counties.
“I hope my survey findings will be reflected in ongoing Council negotiations, respecting our rural identity, protecting local representation and democracy, and minimising disruption to services and residents.”
