The Future of Rutland: Pivotal Council Meeting on Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Rutland County Council is poised to host a crucial special meeting on 11 February 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chamber at Catmose, Oakham. This meeting will focus on the transformative issues of Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, This is a vital opportunity for residents and stakeholders to engage in a discussion that could redefine governance and public services in our community.
This meeting is not just another council gathering; it’s a chance for every resident to have a say in shaping the future of governance in Rutland. people are strongly encouraged to reserve a seat by contacting the Democratic Services Team via email, democraticservices@rutland.gov.uk
ensuring their voices can be part of this critical conversation. For those who cannot attend in person, the council will provide a live audio stream on its official website: https://bit.ly/Council110225
complemented by live coverage on the Oakham and Rutland News Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/OakhamandRutlandNews
making it easier than ever to stay informed and involved.
Additionally, residents will have the vital opportunity to present petitions, deputations, and questions to council members during the meeting. This interactive format not only enriches the dialogue but also underscores the council's dedication to transparency and accountability. To facilitate this, a clear timeline for submitting questions will be enforced, ensuring that community concerns are heard and addressed. Please email democraticservices@rutland.gov.uk to submit your questions, deputations or to request further information.
The agenda will delve into the recently released English Devolution White Paper, which lays out a bold vision for transferring powers from Westminster to locally elected strategic authorities throughout England. This significant shift aims to establish directly elected Mayoral authorities that empower local communities while bridging the longstanding divide between central and local governance.
In this evolving landscape, Rutland County Council finds itself uniquely positioned as a unitary authority. The council is actively collaborating with neighbouring authorities in Leicestershire to navigate the profound implications of devolution regionally. The leadership recognises the urgent need for cohesive action to prevent Rutland from becoming marginalised as a “devolution island.”
Cllr Gale Waller, the Leader of the Council, will present a report highlighting the strategic approach the council intends to adopt regarding devolution and local government reorganisation. Her recommendation emphasises an unwavering commitment to prioritising the needs of Rutland's residents, businesses, and communities. These conversations are not mere administrative formalities; they represent a crucial initiative to enhance the quality of life and services for every person in Rutland.
A dedicated cross-party working group has already been established to facilitate these critical discussions and ensure that all voices within the council are considered. This collaborative effort reflects our council's deep commitment to inclusive governance.
The Seven Principles of Strategic Authority
The White Paper articulates seven guiding principles essential for shaping the future of strategic authorities, including:
- Scale: Ensuring authorities effectively manage a population of approximately 1.5 million.
- Economies: Emphasising functional economic areas for sustainable growth.
- Contiguity: Maintaining coherent and integrated boundaries among councils.
- No ‘devolution islands’: Preventing isolated jurisdictions lacking natural partnerships.
- Delivery: Focusing on the efficient delivery of core services.
- Alignment: Coordinating boundaries for greater public service integration.
- Identity: Valuing local identity as a means to foster community engagement.
These principles are strategically designed to guarantee comprehensive representation and effective governance across all council areas, ensuring that decisions cater to the communities they were made for.
The implications of the White Paper for Rutland are profound, making community involvement not just important but essential. The council's immediate next steps will include compiling extensive evidence to underpin proposals for reorganisation that align with government expectations for a streamlined, efficient local government structure.
As the council navigates this critical period of change, the upcoming meeting promises to be a cornerstone in shaping Rutland's future governance. Residents are urged to participate actively in this dialogue, ensuring that their aspirations and concerns shape the trajectory of our local governance.
To pose questions or submit inquiries for this exceptional council meeting, residents can reach out to their local councillors directly. contact details below
In this transformative political climate, the voices of Rutland’s residents are not just valuable; they are vital. Together, let us forge a future that reflects our collective aspirations and strengthens our community.
MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL of the council are keen to hear residents opinions on about ‘The Future of Rutland’ please email them:
Lyddington Independent
Councillor Andrew Brown – Chairman of the Council
Mobile: 07801 057417
Email: abrown@rutland.gov.uk
Cottesmore Independent
Councillor Sam Harvey – Vice-Chairman of the Council
Email: sharvey@rutland.gov.uk
Bus. mobile: 07976 787750
Greetham Independent
Councillor Nick Begy
Phone: 01572 720548
Mobile: 07890 530477
Email: nbegy@rutland.gov.uk
Oakham South Liberal Democrats
Councillor Paul Browne
Email: pbrowne@rutland.gov.uk
Barleythorpe Independent
Councillor Tracy Carr
Email: tcarr@rutland.gov.uk
Oakham North East Liberal Democrats
Councillor L Chatfield
Email: lchatfield@rutland.gov.uk
Oakham North East Liberal Democrats
Councillor Mark Chatfield
Mobile: 07912527773
Email: mchatfield@rutland.gov.uk
Braunston & Martinsthorpe Conservative
Councillor Giles Clifton
Email: gclifton@rutland.gov.uk
Ryhall and Casterton Independent
Councillor Kevin Corby
Mobile: 07971920567
Email: kcorby@rutland.gov.uk
Oakham South Liberal Democrats
Councillor Diane Ellison
Phone: 01572 723617
Mobile: 07824778080
Email: dellison@rutland.gov.uk
Ketton Conservative
Councillor Matthew Farina
Email: mfarina@rutland.gov.uk
Exton Conservative
Councillor Kiloran Heckels
Email: kheckels@rutland.gov.uk
Langham Independent
Councillor Oliver Hemsley
Mobile: 07768 412683
Email: ohemsley@rutland.gov.uk
Braunston & Martinsthorpe Liberal Democrats
Councillor Andrew Johnson
Mobile: 07971991199
Email: ajohnson@rutland.gov.uk
Uppingham Liberal Democrats
Councillor S Lambert
Email: slambert@rutland.gov.uk
Bus. mobile: 07508070973
Oakham North West Labour
Councillor Steve McRobb
Email: smcrobb@rutland.gov.uk
Ketton Conservative
Councillor Karen Payne
Email: kpayne@rutland.gov.uk
Oakham South Liberal Democrats
Councillor Raymond Payne
Email: rpayne@rutland.gov.uk
Bus. mobile: 07764430818
Whissendine Independent (Leader of the Independent Group)
Councillor Rosemary Powell
Phone: 01664 474257
Email: rpowell@rutland.gov.uk
Oakham North West Labour
Councillor Ramsay Ross
Email: rross@rutland.gov.uk
Normanton Liberal Democrats
Councillor Tim Smith
Email: tsmith@rutland.gov.uk
Uppingham Conservative (Leader of the Conservative Group)
Councillor Lucy Stephenson
Email: listephenson@rutland.gov.uk
Normanton Liberal Democrats
Councillor Gale Waller Council Leader
Email: gwaller@rutland.gov.uk
Bus. mobile: 07977 636848
Cottesmore Liberal Democrats
Councillor Abigail West
Mobile: 07739 361008
Email: awest@rutland.gov.uk
Ryhall and Casterton Conservative
Councillor David Wilby
Phone: 01780 482915
Mobile: 07551 905618
Email: dwilby@rutland.gov.uk
Uppingham Liberal Democrats
Councillor Christine Wise
Mobile: 07501037305
Email: cwise@rutland.gov.uk
Barleythorpe Green
Councillor Hans Zollinger-Ball
Mobile: 07411407074
Email: hzollinger-ball@rutland.gov.uk
