Rutland Approves Penultimate Budget Low Tax Rise Amid "Political Muck-Slinging"
In a session marked by both strategic foresight and "good-natured political muck-slinging," Rutland County Council met this evening to approve a landmark budget for the 2026/27 financial year.
As the county enters the final stretch before Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the chamber was a scene of contrasting energies: sharp partisan jabs across the floor balanced against a somber commitment to fiscal stability. The approved Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) covers the period through 2028/29, aiming to hand over a disciplined, stable authority to its eventual successor.
The Tax Breakdown: A 2% "Adult Care" Increase
The headline for residents is a restrained approach to the Council Tax precept. Despite national assumptions that local authorities would hike taxes by 5%, Rutland has opted for 0.0% General Precept Increase: No increase to the general portion of the council tax bill. 2.0% Adult Social Care Precept, A targeted increase to fund the rising costs of caring for the county’s vulnerable adults.
While the County Council’s portion is staying relatively low, your final bill will likely appear higher. This is due to external increases from parish councils, the police, and the fire service, which are outside the County Council's direct control.
Investing in the Future, where the money goes despite losing £1.2m in grants and facing high inflation, the Council is avoiding the use of reserves for day-to-day spending. Instead, they have earmarked significant investments for growth and resilience.
Health & Wellbeing £8.6m Meditech facility development; Memorial Hospital diagnostic upgrades.
Economic Growth £7.7m New Local Plan Woolfox masterplan; Cultural Centre development.
Climate Action £4.0m Food waste collection rollout; Active travel (cycling/walking) infrastructure.
Children & Families £1.8m New placement home; support for complex needs.
Vulnerable Residents £1.4m Crisis response facilities; CQC improvement plan.
Navigating National Risks
The budget addresses several "elephants in the room," most notably the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit.
A late-breaking High Needs Stability Grant (HNSG) from the government will fund 90% of Rutland’s verified school deficit as of March 2026. This move effectively shifts the Council from "cash-flowing" a national pressure to holding a backed multi-year settlement—a massive win for the county's financial risk profile.
The Council stressed that maintaining low tax increases is a "two-way street." To keep services strong, the budget report encourages residents to:
Recycle more using the upcoming food waste service.
Opt for digital services to reduce administrative costs.
Seek early support through the Low-Income Family Tracker to prevent more expensive interventions later.
The shadow of Local Government Reorganisation loomed large over the debate. Leadership emphasised that this is the penultimate budget before Rutland undergoes structural change. The goal, according to the executive summary, is to ensure the new authority "inherits stability, discipline, and clear strategic intent," protecting Rutland’s legacy even as its governance evolves.
Council meeting Full Video:
