The Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council met on Thursday 23 July 2026 to discuss and pass a motion opposing the government's proposed local government reorganisation in Leicestershire. The council resolved to instruct the Chief Executive to explore grounds for challenging the decision and to formally notify the Prime Minister of their intention.

Opposition to Local Government Reorganisation

The council overwhelmingly passed a motion to oppose the government's plans for local government reorganisation, which would see the creation of two new unitary councils in Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland. The motion, proposed by Councillor Stuart Bray, Leader of the Council, argued that the reorganisation was not included in the Labour party's manifesto, meaning the current government lacks a mandate to proceed.

Councillor Bray stated that the new proposals would create councils that are remote and out of touch and would not reflect natural communities. He expressed concern that this would lead to a significant rise in council tax for residents of Hinckley & Bosworth, as their current low precept would be merged with authorities with higher charges. He also highlighted that the government had chosen the proposal put forward by Leicester City Council, despite 70% of consultation respondents favouring a different, district-backed proposal. Councillor Bray criticised this as a stitch-up that would benefit the failing Labour administration at Leicester and allow them to acquire land in rural areas, which he deemed unnecessary given that districts had already absorbed Leicester's unmet housing needs.

During the discussion, councillors raised several points of concern:

• The lack of a democratic mandate for the reorganisation.
• The belief that local government reorganisation is unnecessary.
• The government's decision to proceed with Leicester City Council's proposal, despite overwhelming public opposition during the consultation phase.
• The potential negative impact on vulnerable residents due to the loss of discretionary services, such as parks and community safety initiatives, as larger unitary authorities would likely prioritise statutory services like adult social care and special educational needs.
• The increased distance between decision-makers and residents in larger, more remote councils.
• The potential for reduced elected member representation due to larger ward sizes, weakening the connection between the council and the community.
• Doubts about the ability of the proposed structure to facilitate effective devolution.

The motion was carried with all councillors present voting in favour. As a result, the Chief Executive has been instructed to initiate urgent discussions with other councils in Leicestershire and beyond to identify grounds for challenging the government's decision. The council will also formally write to the Prime Minister to signal their intention to challenge the reorganisation.

Prior to the formal proceedings, Honorary Alderman David Bill delivered a speech in support of the motion. He reflected on the achievements of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council since its creation in 1974, citing developments such as The Crescent, the Hinckley Club for young people, the cinema, and the leisure centre. He also praised the council's parks, council housing, street cleaning, and recycling systems. Mr. Bill lamented the impact of past government bureaucracy on local services and expressed his strong belief that the proposed reorganisation would be detrimental to the area. He also paid tribute to various individuals and officers who have contributed to the community.

Councillor Bray also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Nick Rushton, the recently deceased leader of Leicestershire County Council, and offered condolences to his family.