We asked 10 LLR councils if they remain committed to Devo letter

County, district and borough councils across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland remain committed to Devolution - despite Local Government Reorganisation plans being paused. 

Leaders of ten local authorities signed a letter to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government in August to ask for Devolution.

They stated their belief that a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) “offers the strongest platform for strategic leadership, economic growth, investment and public service reform across a sensible geography”.

The following month, Government announced that it was pausing Local Government Reorganisation pending a "rapid review".

We asked the 10 local authorities if they would reaffirm their position relating to Devo in the wake of the LGR announcement.

Devolution Leicestershire contacted each of the original letter signatories to ask:

'Since the announcement that LGR has been paused, does your local authority remain committed to the points and asks made in the letter?'

Nine of the ten authorities confirmed their ongoing support, with seven including comments from their leaders. The responses are reproduced below.

The responses

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Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council: “I remain supportive of the creation of a MSA for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“While local government reorganisation has been paused, I continue to believe a MSA would give the area a stronger voice with Government and help secure the funding and powers needed to support economic growth.

“An elected mayor could help unlock funding for transport and skills, strengthen links between employers and education providers, and support the creation of better-paid jobs.

“I remain keen for Charnwood to play an active role in discussions with Government to help shape an MSA and secure the best possible outcome for our area.”‍

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Dan Harrison, Leader of Leicestershire County Council: “Devolution offers big wins and the County Council remains fully committed to an MSA. 

“It’s an opportunity to unlock much-needed funding and power, and if Government is serious about delivering for those areas that go without, let’s seize the moment.” 

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Cllr Simon Whelband, Leader of Harborough District Council: “Harborough District Council remains interested in seeking further information from the government about the Devolution deal that could be available to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, regardless of what ultimately happens with Local Government Reorganisation.

“As I said when we signed the letter, Devolution and LGR are separate issues. The pause to LGR therefore doesn’t change our interest in understanding what greater devolution of powers and funding from Whitehall could mean for our area.”

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Councillor Christine Wise, Leader of Rutland County Council: “We recognise the potential benefits of establishing an MSA for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) to support strategic leadership, economic growth and investment across the area. 

“We welcome further clarity from Government on its timetable for implementing MSAs, devolved powers and associated funding opportunities. 

“We are also keen to understand whether the current pause and review of local government reorganisation could allow Rutland to remain a standalone unitary authority within any future LLR MSA.”

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Cllr Ben Taylor, Leader of Blaby District Council: “I firmly believe Devolution is essential to unlocking the full potential of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and as a Council we have long championed the transfer of powers, funding and decision-making closer to local communities.

“It is important to recognise that securing a devolution deal, including the establishment of an MSA, is not dependent on local government reorganisation. These are separate processes, and there is no reason why our area cannot continue to pursue the opportunities that devolution offers regardless of the future structure of local councils.

“An MSA would provide the region with a stronger voice, greater influence and access to additional funding, helping to drive economic growth, improve transport and deliver investment for our residents and businesses.

“Blaby District Council will continue to work constructively with partners and government to secure the benefits of devolution while ensuring any future decisions on local government structures are made in the best interests of our communities.”

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Cllr Stuart Bray, Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: “I have never been an enthusiast for the mayoral model, and that remains my position. 

“However, successive governments have made clear that this is the direction of travel, so I take a pragmatic view and will focus on securing the best possible deal for residents. 

“I support the principle of an MSA, provided it delivers clear benefits for our borough and the wider area. My priority is securing the best outcome for Hinckley and Bosworth residents. 

“I have been clear that LGR is not the right focus and risks diverting time and resources away from the issues that matter most to local people. 

“Devolution should be the priority, with the potential to bring new powers, funding, investment and economic growth into the area.”

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Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council: "In North West Leicestershire we have a strong track record of supporting local businesses, attracting investment and creating opportunities for our communities.

"The opportunities that Devolution could bring for our area are too important to overlook, and I am fully supportive of efforts to secure an MSA for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“Devolution has the potential to give our area a stronger voice and greater influence over the decisions that affect our future. By bringing powers and investment closer to local communities, we can do more to support economic growth, improve transport connectivity, strengthen skills provision and help create high-quality jobs for residents.”

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‍A spokesperson for Melton Borough Council: “I can confirm that Melton Borough Council does remain fully committed to securing Devolution and an MSA for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and all the aspects set out in the letter.”

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‍A spokesperson for Oadby and Wigston Borough Council confirmed the authority ‘stands by the letter’.