Leicestershire County Council says it will press ahead with drawing up proposals for reorganisation, following a Government announcement today (Wednesday). 

Although requests from a number of councils to postpone this spring's elections were turned down – including Leicestershire's - they are still required to submit an early reorganisation plan to the Government, deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, has confirmed.

Reorganisation is a condition of devolution – which is aimed at unlocking more money to fix roads and other services our residents value, plus new powers to coordinate planning and join-up transport. 

The county council accepts the Government says it is clear it wants to move away from 'two-tier' local government, as exists in Leicestershire, and expects all county councils and neighbouring unitaries to come up with proposals for change.  

Leicestershire County Council's elections will take place as planned on May 1. 

Councillor Deborah Taylor, acting leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: "Whilst it is disappointing to have our request refused, we are still required to submit plans for change.

"This is the first step towards simplifying a confusing system, protecting front-line services and creating a system of local government fit for the 21st century. 

"It's a case of when, not if, change is coming– and it isn't an optional process.

"All councils in two-tier areas and neighbouring unitary councils, in this case, Leicester and Rutland, were invited to submit reorganisation proposals to the Government for a new unitary structure of local governance. All councils in two-tier areas need to put initial bids in by the end of March. 

"It is well known that Leicestershire has been frustrated in trying to achieve any devolution of powers and responsibilities, a frustration which has been shared by MPs and district councils. Since reorganisation is required to unlock devolution, the County Council had bid to join the fast-track programme for reorganisation which would enable devolution at the earliest opportunity. 

 "Moving the election would have sped up the pace but we still need to get moving. Our focus now is working with all stakeholders to draw up more detailed plans." 

An update will be considered by the council's cabinet when it meets this Friday.

The Government's timetable said that proposals need to be submitted by the end of March – with final reorganisation proposals will have to be made by the autumn. Updated information on timescales and other criteria are due to be set out by the Government shortly.