A proposal has been made to explore the creation of a town council for Loughborough following the Government’s publication of the English Devolution White Paper.
The white paper outlines the Government’s intention to create elected mayors, strategic authorities, and reorganise councils in two-tier areas like Leicestershire, replacing county and district councils with unitary authorities.
At a full council meeting of Charnwood Borough Council on Monday evening (20 January 2025), Leader Jewel Miah put forward a position statement outlining the Council’s position on the white paper.
The position statement, which was discussed by the Council at the meeting, sets out the Council’s in-principal support for a Strategic Mayoral Authority for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
It also set out the Council’s initial concerns over the size and scale of a proposed single unitary council for Leicestershire and Rutland and considers that there are other viable options that should be explored and opportunities for wider discussion and engagement.
The statement also proposed to “explore the creation of a Town Council for Loughborough.”
Cllr Miah said: “Government has put forward the English Devolution White Paper and has set a clear agenda to create unitary authorities in two-tier areas like ours in Leicestershire.
“That process has only just started, with all options on the table and there is a long way to go.
“However, to ensure that Loughborough has proper local representation and a strong voice in the future, we feel it is appropriate to explore the creation of a Town Council for Loughborough, whatever local government structures end up in place.
“There is a clear legislative process that will need to be undertaken which will involve consultation and engagement with local communities. Officers at the borough council will now be looking at the proposal and producing a report for Cabinet.
“Clearly Charnwood already has successful parish and town councils which make positive impacts on their local areas. People and communities in Loughborough would expect the same representation, should local government structures change in the future.”
