Leicester’s City Mayor’s plans to expand city boundaries have been opposed by district councils and Rutland County Council.

The proposals drawn up by City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, involve widening the city’s political boundaries to encompass villages and towns within the city, ahead of local government reorganisation in 2028.

However, district councils have rejected the expansion scheme, instead proposing a three unitary council plan titled ‘North, City, South’.

A statement from Melton Borough Council reveals that the district councils and Rutland CC believe there is ‘no strong business case, including financial rationale, for changing the city boundary’.

The leaders express concerns about the possible complications of the expansion proposals, which they argue could ‘risk delaying devolution and its associated funding’.

According to the leader of Melton Borough Council, Cllr Pip Allnatt, the leaders of the North, City, South councils ‘are of the view that the city boundary should not change’ in the final proposal submission.

He added: ‘We understand the city council’s ambition for growth, but the leaders believe that by delivering devolution quickly and collaboratively, we can support growth and deliver economic improvements across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.’

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: ‘I am convinced that any realistic option for local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland must address the historic accident of our city’s boundaries.

‘Unlike other cities, Leicester’s boundaries have not changed in over 100 years and no longer reflect the reality of the wider urban area and how people live their lives.

‘An expanded city is key to unlocking devolution and boosting local economic growth, as well as delivering more efficient and cost-effective council services across the wider area.’