All seven Leicestershire district and borough councils, including Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, have filed a protective judicial review claim against the Government's decision on local government reorganisation for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The councils say the Government's pause on decisions for local government reorganisation in England has left them with no choice but to take the next legal step to protect their position. They had previously sought clarity from ministers and requested further information about the decision-making process.
Background to the legal challenge
Five councils — Blaby District Council, Harborough District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council — announced in September that they had issued a pre-action letter to the government as the first formal step in considering a legal challenge.
The judicial review claim follows the Government's announcement in July of its plans to create two new unitary councils for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The proposals include an expanded Leicester boundary that would affect parts of Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough and the whole of Oadby and Wigston.
Grounds for the challenge
The councils argue that the Government decision was not made in accordance with the law and without proper consultation. The claim also states the Government did not properly consider the impact on local people or the costs involved, and that there was not a strong enough reason for the boundary changes that were approved.
The councils say they recognise the significant public concern that followed the announcement of the government's preferred option, particularly among rural and semi-rural communities that would be affected by the proposed boundary changes.
Council leader's statement
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Leader Stuart Bray said: "I've been clear that these damaging proposals are wrong for Hinckley and Bosworth and would weaken our residents' local voice. This is not a step we take lightly. Ministers have failed to provide the clarity, and evidence councils have repeatedly asked for. We have a responsibility to protect our legal position and stand up for the residents, businesses and partners who have raised serious concerns. We will not stand by while a decision with lasting consequences for our communities goes unchallenged."
The councils say they remain committed to working constructively with partners across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and that council services will continue as normal while the legal process is in progress.