Five Leicestershire district and borough councils have issued a pre-action letter to the Government, the first formal step towards a possible legal challenge over local government reorganisation (LGR).
While the Government has paused LGR, Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, North West Leicestershire, and Oadby and Wigston councils said they have issued the letter to ensure they challenge the proposals for reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland within the required legal timeframe.
Their challenge questions whether the secretary of state for local government had adequate information to assess the proposals and whether the law was properly followed.
Only 7% of consultation respondents backed the Government's preferred option to expand Leicester's city boundary.
Cllr Simon Whelband, leader of Harborough District Council, said: ‘We have listened carefully to the concerns raised by our residents, communities and partners. The Government’s preferred option would have significant implications for Harborough and for rural communities across Leicestershire, so it is only right that we take the necessary steps to protect our legal position and ensure these proposals have been properly considered.’
He added: ‘Issuing a pre-action letter does not mean a legal challenge will definitely proceed, but it allows us to keep that option open while we await the Government’s response.’
Watch: LGIU's Jonathan Carr-West on the Government's LGR pause
