Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Chris Smith, has welcomed this week's proposals for streamlining local government - and says more decisions will be made at parish level.

Under the plans, district councils in Leicestershire would be abolished, with one powerful council runnin all the county's services instead.

It is part of sweeping reforms for England announced by Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner.

But Cllr Smith says the devolution would give more responsibility and powers to parish authorities such as Ashby de la Zouch Town Council.

He also expressed disappointment that both the leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, Cllr Richard Blunt, and deputy leader, Cllr Michael Wyatt, had opposed the plans.

Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Cllr Chris Smith. Photo: Supplied

Cllr Smith said "I welcome the Government's recently published proposals for streamlining local government. 

"The current structure is very confusing for local people. Fewer tiers of government will save money and be much better understood." 

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Cllr Smith, says that similar changes have successfully taken place across the country, with a single unitary authority replacing a multitude of County and District authorities and more powers being given to Town and Parish Councils. 

He added that Ashby de la Zouch Town Council would welcome the opportunity to take on new powers and are keen to enter into early discussions on how this could happen.

Labour councillor Smith said: "It is unfortunate that both the Leader and Deputy Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council are opposing these proposals.

Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council. Photo: NWLDC

"They both sound like they are more interested in their own political positions rather than achieving the best outcome for Ashby de la Zouch and North West Leicestershire.

"It is clear that the Government is determined to reorganise local government.

"Our existing leaders should be taking a more positive approach to see how services can be improved and costs reduced for local people rather than sticking with the status quo."