The Future of Rutland: Addressing Recent Developments in Local Governance, Alicia Kearns, the MP for Rutland and Stamford, has expressed concerns about the lack of publication, which raises issues of transparency and community engagement.
The Future of Rutland: Addressing Recent Developments in Local Governance
As Rutland County prepares for a significant special meeting scheduled for February 11, 2025, at 7 PM, questions have arisen concerning the Rutland County Council's (RCC) decision not to disclose a key letter prior to this important gathering.
Dated January 10, 2025, the letter was addressed to Government minister Jim McMahon by Gale Waller, the Leader of RCC, along with Deborah Taylor, the Acting Leader of Leicestershire County Council, and Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby. Alicia Kearns, the MP for Rutland and Stamford, has expressed concerns about the lack of publication, which raises issues of transparency and community engagement.
Kearns has highlighted the unusual choice of the RCC to refrain from sharing the contents of the letter with both local councillors and the public before their upcoming meeting. It was only through Leicestershire County Council's publication of the letter that details became available. This situation has prompted significant concerns regarding the level of engagement that Rutland’s local councillors—and, importantly, the Rutland community—have in decisions that may have far-reaching implications.
Kearns feels the following points from the letter warrant further examination:
1. Unanimous In-Principle Agreement: The letter claims a "unanimous in-principle agreement to a Mayoral Strategic Authority." This raises questions about the validity of such consensus, as Kearns has indicated her dissenting viewpoint, suggesting that diverse opinions may exist within the council.
2. Initial Considerations and Engagement: The document mentions "initial consideration and engagement" without specifying the stakeholders involved in these discussions. This ambiguity necessitates clarification on the extent of consultation and representation among involved parties.
3. Recognition of Devolution Opportunity: The assertion that "as a region, it is recognised by all stakeholders that Devolution sets out a once-in-a-generation opportunity" has been questioned by Kearns, who argues that not all stakeholders share this perspective, highlighting a potential divergence of views regarding devolution.
4. Need for Reorganisation: The claim that the area "needs reorganisation" is vague and lacks acknowledgment of who has reached this conclusion. Clarity on this matter is essential, as it directly impacts the opinions and interests of local residents.
5. Local Government Reform for Devolution: The statement suggesting that local government reform is crucial to "unlock devolution" raises further concerns about the implications such reforms may have for Rutland’s governance structure.
6. City Expansion and Community Consent: The letter also mentions the need to address "the boundaries of the City" and proposes that the "expansion of the City" will provide "the right conditions." Kearns has raised concerns regarding the lack of community consent for these proposals, emphasising the importance of local input in such significant decisions.
In light of these issues, Kearns advocates for a proactive shift towards meaningful engagement with local communities. The importance of transparency and open dialogue cannot be overstated; decisions influencing the future of Rutland should involve the contributions and perspectives of the broader constituency.
As the upcoming meeting approaches, the questions surrounding transparency and community involvement in local governance remain critical. Genuine efforts must be made to ensure that local citizens have a voice in discussions that may impact their communities. Collaborative engagement with the residents of Rutland is vital to fostering trust and ensuring that any potential changes align with their needs and aspirations. The future of Rutland should be shaped through a collective approach, rooted in public participation and accountability.
Alicia Kearns strongly encourages all residents to take note of an important issue regarding next week's special council meeting. To ensure a smooth and organised process, there will be strict limits on how long public comments can be made. It is crucial that residents submit their planned statements in writing at least three days prior to the meeting on the 11th of February 2025. This is your opportunity to voice your thoughts and concerns effectively. Please email your detailed deputations or questions to democraticservices@rutland.gov.uk or deliver them in person to the council office, addressed to democratic services. Be sure to clearly indicate which meeting your submission relates to. Your participation is vital to shaping our community’s future!
Alicia Kearns also stated that the government has responded to her written inquiry regarding public consultation. The response emphasised that councils are expected to actively consult and engage with the public concerning local government reform. As such, Rutland County Council should take the lead in integrating local voices and ensuring that the community's needs and opinions are heard and considered in this important process.
Response from Cllr Gale Waller.
Rutland County Council never refused to publish the letter to the minister but, following the request from Alicia Kearns MP to send the letter to her, responded by saying that, as there were three signatories, as a matter of courtesy, the Council would need agreement from the other two signatories before making the letter public. It was subsequently put in the public domain by Leicestershire County Council. Both the last, Conservative, and this, Labour, government want to see an increase in combined authorities and if Rutland County Council does not actively engage in this process we are likely to find ourselves allocated to an existing combined authority.
Gale Waller Leader, Rutland County Council and Member for Normanton Ward
