Rutland County Council Cabinet Budget Strategy and Waste Contracts Take Center Stage, Your Money, Your Services: Don’t Let the January 13th Budget Meeting Pass You By!
Rutland County Council Cabinet Budget Strategy and Waste Contracts Take Center Stage
Rutland County Council Cabinet is set to convene on Tuesday, 13th January 2026, for a pivotal session that will define the county’s financial trajectory and the future of its essential frontline services.
The meeting, held at the Council Chamber in Catmose, will focus on two heavyweight issues: the multi-year financial strategy and a high-stakes decision regarding waste and street scene services.
1. The Financial Blueprint: 2026-2029
The most significant item on the public agenda is Report No. 04/2026, the Draft Integrated Budget Plan and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
Presented by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Governance and Resources, this plan outlines the council’s spending and saving priorities for the next three years. With local government funding under continued scrutiny, the MTFS serves as the council’s "financial compass."
Directorate Ambitions: Detailed plans for how departments will deliver services while meeting "Key Lines of Enquiry" (KLOEs) for efficiency.
Fees and Charges: A reviewed policy (Appendix E) that determines how much residents pay for specific local services.
Grant Register: A transparent look at the external funding and central government grants the council relies upon to balance the books.
This budget sets the stage for the council's ability to maintain infrastructure, social care, and education through 2029.
2. Waste and Street Scene Services
Following the budget discussion, the Cabinet will pivot to Waste and Street Scene Services (Report No. 118/2025). This item covers the vital contracts for waste collection and disposal services that impact every household in the county.
Notably, a significant portion of this discussion may happen behind closed doors. The Cabinet is recommended to exclude the press and public under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972. This is due to the inclusion of "exempt information" regarding the financial or business affairs of specific parties, likely involving sensitive commercial bids or contract negotiations.
3. Oversight and Governance
The meeting will also address:
Scrutiny Reports: Feedback from the council’s scrutiny committees, ensuring that executive decisions are challenged and reviewed by non-cabinet members.
Minutes Review: Formal approval of decisions made during the November and December 2025 meetings.
Meeting Logistics
Date/Time: Tuesday, 13th January 2026, at 10:00 am.
Location: Council Chamber, Catmose, Oakham, LE15 6HP.
Public Access: Members of the public can attend the open sessions. However, Item 8 (Waste Contracts) is expected to move into a private session
The Budget Proposal tables for the 2026/27 financial year represent a critical balancing act for Rutland County Council. The figures highlight three main areas of focus:
Cost Pressures vs. Efficiencies: The tables detail "KLOEs" (Key Lines of Enquiry) which identify where the council plans to find savings without compromising statutory services. This involves a mix of administrative streamlining and service redesign.
Grant Reliance: Appendix D (The Grant Register) shows a continued reliance on specific central government grants to fund social care and infrastructure, making the local budget sensitive to national policy shifts.
Proposed Hikes in Fees & Charges: To offset inflation and rising operational costs, Appendix E suggests adjustments to discretionary fees. This likely includes parking, planning applications, and leisure services, aiming to shift the cost burden from the general taxpayer to the service user.
Your Money, Your Services: Don’t Let the January 13th Budget Meeting Pass You By!
Rutland County Council is about to set the financial roadmap for the next three years (2026–2029). From how often your bins are collected to how much it costs to park in Oakham or Uppingham, these decisions affect YOU.
The Cabinet meets on Tuesday, 13th January at 10:00 am, and the stakes are high: The Budget Plan: New proposals for spending on social care, roads, and schools. Waste Services: Future contract options for bin collections and street cleaning. Fees & Charges: Potential increases in costs for local services.
How to get involved:
https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx
Read the Papers: The full "Integrated Budget Plan" is available online. Knowledge is power!
Contact Your Ward Councillor: Ask them how these budget variations will affect your specific neighborhood. You can find your councillor here: https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx
Submit a Question: Residents can often submit questions for public participation (check the Council's standing orders for deadlines!).
Attend the Meeting: Head to the Council Chamber at Catmose to watch the debate in person.
Your voice matters. Make sure the Council knows your priorities before the 2026/27 budget is set in stone.
#Rutland #Oakham #Uppingham #LocalGovernment #RutlandBudget2026 #CommunityAction
