News & views

20 June 2025

Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV), the premier business advocacy group for Leicester and Leicestershire, has hosted a major Devolution event with leaders from the City, County and Districts Councils.

The event, held at Friars Mill in Leicester on 19 June 2025, focused on the theme of ‘Devolution and local government reorganisation’. It included discussions around the respective devolution proposals from the city, county and districts, and how devolution could impact businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire

Guest speakers at the event were City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, Cllr Dan Harrison, Leader of Leicestershire County Council and Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council and speaking on behalf of the Leaders of the Leicestershire District and Borough Councils, and Rutland County Council.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “I remain absolutely convinced that any realistic option for local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland must address the historic accident of the city’s particular constrained boundaries. An expanded city is key to unlocking devolution and boosting economic growth.

“Along with continuing discussions with the county, district and Rutland councils to see if we can agree a way forward, it is important we take the opportunity to meet with key local businesses to share and discuss our proposals.

“We will, of course, ensure that people are kept informed as our proposal develops over the coming months.”

Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Dan Harrison, said: “We have the chance to shape local government for future generations – residents and businesses – and it’s important we get it right.

“The new councils must be financially resilient and able to work together across City and County to enable sensible strategic planning.

“Reorganisation has been capturing the media headlines, but the big prize is a devolution deal. We cannot afford to fall further behind other regions.”

Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council and speaking on behalf of the Leaders of the Leicestershire district and borough councils and Rutland County Council, said: “Councils which deliver vital services in the area are facing the biggest change in over 50 years and it is vital our communities and businesses are involved in helping to shape the future of local government.

“The eight councils which have created the ‘North, City, South’ interim plan continue to work together and it was a pleasure to share our vision for Devolution and transforming local government with business leaders today, as well as to hear what matters to them as we build our final submission to government.

“The ‘North, City, South’ plan is built on a foundation of collaboration, evidence and engagement and we will continue working with our partners, our communities and our businesses to ensure we deliver the best possible reforms which deliver connected and accountable services, protect the most vulnerable, and unlock the full potential of devolution to boost our economy.”

Sue Tilley, Chair of LBV added: “It is more important than ever that true collaboration takes place between the public and private sectors, particularly given the complexity, diversity and competing needs across our region. Our brilliant businesses are key drivers of prosperity, and Leicestershire Business Voice will continue to act as a conduit between our members and local leaders — helping to ensure our region doesn’t miss the opportunities that devolution can bring.”