Lib Dems attempt to de-rail progress on Local Government Reorganisation

A Liberal Democrat motion due before full council tomorrow (16th September) attempts to de-rail nearly 12 months of hard work, time and money by council officers.

It is disappointing to see the Liberal Democrats attempt block the vital work that is being done to modernise and improve the structure of local government. The motion brought forward misrepresents the progress made to date and commitments made by the previous Conservative government and the now Labour government.

The Liberal Democrats must acknowledge that local government reorganisation (LGR) is not imposed by one party, but a longstanding commitment that has been in the pipeline for years. The previous government was clear about the need for LGR, and significant work was carried out by the current Leader of the District Council (Richard Blunt) and former Leader of Leicestershire County Council (Nick Rushton) on previous local proposals. The work now completed with other district councils in the region should not be disregarded by political manoeuvring from the Liberal Democrats.

Cllr John Legrys, Labour Leader at North West Leicestershire District Council

Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr John Legrys, said:

“The Liberal Democrats seem to be bringing forward, yet another motion aimed at political point scoring rather than working for the best interests of local people. Months of hard work, time and council money has been spent working with other districts on proposals which, we are told, have now been agreed and signed up to by North West Leicestershire District Council.

“Leicestershire has been in a devolution desert for too long and it is frustrating that the Alliance will not reveal the Council’s agreements for Local Government Reorganisation until days before the submission is due. Rather than bringing forward a wrecking motion to stifle progress, the leader of the Liberal Democrats could have – as NWLDC Deputy Leader – encouraged an open and constructive debate of the Alliance’s proposals at Tuesday’s Full Council.”