Rutland to become part of new larger council under Government shake-up
The whole of Rutland will join a new unitary authority covering the county and parts of Leicestershire from 2028
Last updated 16th Jul 2026
The Government has confirmed its plans to reorganise local councils across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
From April 2028, the current 10 councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities, which will be responsible for delivering all council services.
One new council will cover Leicester, Oadby and Wigston and parts of Blaby, Charnwood and Harborough.
The second authority will cover the rest of Leicestershire and the whole of Rutland.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed unveiled the plan in the House of Commons on Thursday.
“We need to devolve power out of Whitehall so that we can rebalance wealth, power and opportunity right across this country,” he said.
Rutland County Council says its services will continue as normal for now until the changes.
Elections for the new authorities are expected to take place before 2028.
Rutland’s response
Rutland County Council leader Christine Wise said the decision marks “a significant moment” for the county.
She said: “Today's announcement marks a significant moment for Rutland and the beginning of a new chapter for local government across our wider area. Becoming part of a much larger authority represents a major change, and I know residents will want reassurance about what this means for our communities.
“While this is not the proposal Rutland County Council initially supported, we respect the government's decision and will work just as hard and constructively with partners to secure the best possible outcome for Rutland residents.”
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns said Rutlanders want to remain separate from their neighbours in surrounding counties, warning they “never chose to join” the new authority.
The MP said 7,141 signatures were gathered for a Save Rutland petition.
“We asked to remain as we are or to join our neighbours in Lincolnshire,” the MP for Rutland and Stamford said.
“We were ignored and dismissed.”
Ms Kearns added: “Unless the Government acts, Rutland will lose its ceremonial county status.
“The signs will come down and an identity that has endured for centuries will be erased at the stroke of a bureaucrat’s pen.”
A website has been set up to provide updates on the changes: futureLLRcouncils.gov.uk