A leading local councillor has hit back at Government plans which leave an uncertain future for North West Leicestershire District Council.

Cllr Michael Wyatt says the local authority would end up paying for councils which are not as financially secure.

Leicestershire faces a shake-up of its district and borough councils in a proposed re-organisation of England's democratic set-up.

The county is currently governed by a county council and seven district and borough councils, which share decision-making powers between them.

Ashby and Measham come under the North West Leicestershire District Council authority.

But the Labour Government set out plans on Monday which could see those democratic institutions overhauled.

However, Cllr Wyatt, deputy leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, has voiced his opposition to the idea.

He has issued a statement saying: "Concerning the Government's plans to look once again at the reorganisation of local government, I strongly disagree with their attempt at what looks like a quick financial and political decision to bail out authorities unable to balance their finances due to the lack of government financial support. 

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"Having large unitary authorities will only reduce local accountability and local lead decision-making. 

"North West Leicestershire District Council is one of many who have not financially failed. 

"The district council should not have to pay the price of other authorities' failures. 

"I believe the current system in Leicestershire is robust and delivers value for money for the taxpayer. I do not believe that a mayoral system is right for Leicestershire. We have very distinctive areas with very different needs. The government need to stop wasting money on reorganisation when all councils need is a fairer funding system so they can get on with the job of delivering key services."