Rutland's Future: A Balancing Act in Local Government Reorganisation
By Martin Brookes
Rutland County Council, under the leadership of Councillor Gale Waller, is navigating a complex and pivotal period of local government reorganisation, with the very identity and governance of the smallest historic county in England hanging in the balance. As the process moves into its crucial second stage, Councillor Waller has shed light on the various proposals on the table and the ongoing efforts to secure the best outcome for Rutland residents.
The reorganisation drive, initiated by national government earlier this year, saw "invitation areas" tasked with bringing forward proposals for new unitary authorities. For Rutland, this initially meant engagement within the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland invitation area. Councillor Waller explained that Rutland County Council, in collaboration with Leicestershire's district and borough councils, responded with the "North, City South" interim proposal. This plan envisions Rutland forming part of a new North Leicestershire and Rutland unitary authority, a strategic move to avoid being subsumed into a single, much larger Leicestershire-wide council with a population nearing 700,000.
However, the geographical landscape for Rutland is even more intricate. As Councillor Waller highlighted, councils in Greater Lincolnshire also received an invitation for reorganisation proposals. This has led to an additional interim proposal, supported by North and South Kesteven, which includes Rutland alongside North Kesteven, South Kesteven, and South Holland. This unique situation means Rutland is currently included in multiple plans spanning two distinct geographies – Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.
The deadline for submitting these interim proposals was March, and councils now face the significant task of developing "full and final" proposals by 28 November 2025. The government has provided feedback, emphasising the need for these final plans to be robust, supported by data, evidence, and detailed financial modelling, and to adhere to the specified criteria.
Councillor Waller stressed the Council's commitment to transparency during this period. "Recognising that Rutland is included in multiple plans that are tied to two separate geographies (Leicestershire and Lincolnshire), we have sought to provide as much information as possible through our website and via local councillors, to help people understand each option," she stated. The Council is also actively engaging with local partners and residents in the coming weeks, seeking their priorities and concerns to inform ongoing discussions with other involved councils.
A key focus for Rutland County Council remains the "North, City, South" plan within the Leicestershire context. "Just as then, we believe this plan is the best option for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland shared area, rather than having one unitary council for Leicester City and an all-encompassing second unitary for the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland," Councillor Waller affirmed. To gather crucial public input, a public engagement exercise on this proposal has been launched, running until 20 July 2025, with details available on the www.northcitysouth.co.uk website.
Simultaneously, Rutland County Council continues discussions and data sharing with Leicester City, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, and South Holland, as they too work towards their November submission. The timing and method of engagement with Rutland residents on these alternative proposals are yet to be determined.
Ultimately, come the November deadline, Rutland County Council can only officially support one proposal. Councillor Waller underscored the critical role of residents' views in shaping these plans and aiding the final decision. She urged residents to consider what type of final proposals the government is likely to deem acceptable based on their guidance and criteria. Financial sustainability is a non-negotiable aspect, as any new unitary authority must be able to provide essential local services.
Crucially, on the sensitive issue of Rutland's identity, Councillor Waller made the Council's position abundantly clear: "Rutland County Council has made it clear that any plan which includes Rutland must keep the County’s historic name and identity.” This statement highlights the determination to preserve Rutland's unique heritage amidst the sweeping changes of local government reform. The coming months will be vital in determining the future governance and very fabric of Rutland.
More information available from Rutland County Councils website: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/council-councillors/devolution-local-government-reorganisation
