Local Government Reorganisation
The government consultation has been launched, offering residents the chance to comment on plans to reshape local government. The Government is asking people for their views on each of the three different proposals put forward for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
Charnwood Borough’s proposal put forward is three councils with a council for north Leicestershire and Rutland, a council for south Leicestershire and one for the city on its existing boundary. It is called the North, City, South proposal. Under this proposal, Charnwood would sit in the North Council.
This proposal would mean that services currently delivered by the County Council would be split in half.
The consultation closes on 26th March 2026 and is open to residents, businesses, public sector organisations, and other bodies.
You can read all three bids and respond to the consultation on the government website here: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/leicestershire-and-leicester-and-rutland/
There are more details in Deborah’s report.
Budget
The printing deadlines do not line up for us to report the outcome of the Budget Meeting. Currently, the Cabinet are proposing a 2.5% increase in Council Tax for 2026/27. The maximum that the government allows council tax to rise is 2.9% or £5.
It is due to go to the council for debate and a decision on Monday 23rd February.
This represents an increase of £3.74 for the whole year. Councils can increase by 2.99% or £5. Under this proposal, the Charnwood element for a Band D property would rise to £153.17 for the year. We will report back next month about the final decision, but by that time, you may well have received your Council Tax bill through your letterbox.
Garden Competition for Council Tenants
Council tenants are being encouraged to enter the Charnwood Borough Council Annual Garden competition.
The competition is open to its tenants and leaseholders, who are being urged to highlight their green-fingered skills. This year is the 16th year of the competition, and there are ten categories to enter as follows:
· Best House or Flat Garden
· Best Pots and Hanging Baskets
· Best Community Garden
· Best Sheltered Court
· Best Fruit and Veg Edible Garden
· Best Newcomer
· Best Young Gardener
· Best Flower Display
· Best Eco Garden
· Best Use of Small Space
Tenants and leaseholders can enter as many categories as they like.
Entries for the tenant garden competition need to be submitted by Sunday 17th May and judging will take place the week commencing Monday 15th June.
Entrants will be notified of their judging date closer to the time.
All category winners will receive High Street vouchers. The prizes are £100 for first place, £75 for second, £50 for third for each category, and all other entrants who don’t win will receive a small gift.
Winners will receive their vouchers and a certificate of their achievement at a special event on Thursday 10th September 2026, held at Loughborough Town Hall.
The online application form and terms and conditions for the competition can be found at www.charnwood.gov.uk/gardens.
Tenants can also request a paper application form by contacting the customer engagement team on 01509 634679 or 01509 634955 or by emailing [email protected].
Police Beat Teams
Are you following your local neighbourhood policing team on Facebook?
It's a simple way to get updates from your area.
Not sure which is your national policy area (NPA)? Use the postcode search tool on their website: https://leicspolice.link/gKh8z
Anstey Community Library
Anstey Community Library is celebrating its 10th birthday this year. Many of their volunteers have worked there since day one and they are now in need of more help. If you are retired or have some free time, please consider joining their dedicated team. They offer full training, flexible hours and an opportunity to help the community. Application forms are available in the library or ring to leave your details, and they will get back to you.
