Alberto has written to Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby on the potential reorganisation of local government across Leicester and Leicestershire.
Alberto said his strong preference is to retain the current two-tier system, which he said “has on the whole served our communities well” by keeping decision-making close to residents.
However, if the Labour Government insists on going ahead with local government reorganisation, Mr Costa would be firmly opposed to the creation of two large, remote unitary authorities, warning that such a model “risks centralised decision-making and distancing local government from the very people it exists to serve.”
Instead, he backed the proposal from Blaby District Council and other Leicestershire district councils (including Rutland County Council) for the establishment of three unitary authorities: North Leicestershire and Rutland, South Leicestershire, and Leicester City - describing it as the only “sensible and balanced” option.
Alberto also made clear his strong opposition to any attempt to expand the city boundary, saying:
“Our villages and market towns have distinct identities and priorities that must be respected. The focus should be on fostering constructive cooperation between the city and county, not expansion or absorption.”
Alberto added separately that the City’s expansion proposals are “an opportunistic landgrab that would pose a huge threat to our community and the character of our great county.”
