Government announces decision on local government reorganisation

On 16 July 2026 The Government has announced its decision on local government reorganisation for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Local Government Changes – What Community Organisations Need to Know

The Government has announced how local councils in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will be reorganised.

After considering three different proposals, it has confirmed that, from April 2028, all local council services will be provided by two new unitary councils instead of the current arrangements.

The new councils will cover:

  • Leicester, Oadby and Wigston, and parts of Blaby, Charnwood and Harborough
  • The rest of Leicestershire and Rutland

For now, nothing is changing. Existing councils will continue to deliver services as normal, and charities, voluntary organisations and community groups can continue working with their current local authority contacts.

There is no action required at this stage. The changes will happen gradually over the next few years, with the new councils taking responsibility from April 2028.

If you’re unsure which new council area your organisation will be part of, you can refer to the published boundary map for an overview of the proposed areas – Click to see map here

As more information becomes available about how the new arrangements will affect funding, partnerships, commissioning and local services, we will share updates to help the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector prepare and plan ahead.​

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL)  will continue to meet and discuss the transitional arrangements with all of the 10 existing councils, ensuring that key questions, points of views and ideas from the local VCSE sector and their service users are part of the plans and shape of the new unitary authorities that have been announced.

If you have any questions or points of clarification that you wish VAL to put forward, then please can you email us at helpline@valonline.org.uk and put in the subject heading Local Government Reorganisation.

Find out more

If you’re a charity who would like support with anything from recruiting volunteers to funding a new project, or if you are a local business who would like to know more about how you can support our voluntary sector, contact us via helpline@valonline.org.uk or on 0116 257 5050.