A petition carrying more than 12,000 signatures opposing plans to expand Leicester’s boundary has been submitted to the government.
Campaigners say bringing parts of Harborough district and other areas of Leicestershire into the city would lead to higher council tax bills and increased housing development.
Leicester City Council is putting the proposal forward as part of wider local government reorganisation plans, which would scrap the current two-tier council system in favour of larger single, unitary authorities.
MPs Peter Bedford, Alicia Kearns & Neil O’Brien outside the Houses of Parliament
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien launched the petition just over a year ago with fellow Leicestershire Conservative MPs Peter Bedford and Alicia Kearns.
He has described the idea as a “land grab” by Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, saying the “overwhelming majority” of people in his constituency oppose any expansion.
Sir Peter Soulsby has argued the city’s current boundary is a “historic accident” and says there is now a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Leicester to grow its housing, jobs and council tax base to remain financially sustainable.
The government is considering the city council’s proposal alongside alternative reorganisation plans put forward by Leicestershire County Council and the county’s district and borough councils.
Related