Purpose

Added 07 May 2026

Decision

That Cabinet:

1)     NOTED the current position regarding local government reorganisation (LGR) within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR), and the Government’s recent decision.

2)     Subject to similar decisions being taken by the other nine councils within LLR, APPROVED the establishment of a voluntary joint committee in accordance with section 101(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, and in advance of the establishment of the Joint Committee through the Structure Change Order, on the basis set out in this report.

3)     CONFIRMED that the Leader of the Council will be nominated representative of the Joint Committee, with Cllr Ian Atherton nominated as a substitute representative.

4)     DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to amend Cabinet member nominations to the voluntary joint committee as required.

5)     APPROVED the draft Terms of Reference (at appendix A), and delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to negotiate and agree any minor amendments as required for the effective oversight of the LGR programme.

6)     NOTED the Government’s recent announcement regarding its intention to review Local Government Reorganisation decisions and will continue to seek further information and clarity both about the impact this will have on timescales for implementation and the policy more generally.