Martin Brookes Oakham Rutland: Leicestershire

Showing posts with label Leicestershire. Show all posts

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, Rupert Matthews, is appealing to local residents to help him formulate a "pragmatic" budget for the 2026-27 financial year by participating in a new public survey

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, Rupert Matthews, is appealing to local residents to help him formulate a "pragmatic" budget for the 2026-27 financial year by participating in a new public survey

PCC Launches Public Survey to Shape 'Pragmatic' 2026-27 Budget Amid Financial Uncertainty

Conscious of the challenging financial climate and pending announcements from central government, the PCC has launched a root and branch review of spending to ensure maximum value for money across policing, crime prevention, community safety, and victim support services.

PCC Matthews highlighted the significant uncertainties surrounding central government funding. For the 2025-26 budget of £255 million, the government provided 56%, with the remaining 44% funded by local taxpayers through the Council Tax precept.

"There is a real danger that the national government may seek to put pressure on PCCs to use local taxation to plug the black hole caused by lack of Government funding," Mr Matthews stated.

He further detailed the financial pressures:

Inflationary Costs: The cost of pay and non-pay inflation for 2026-27 is projected to require an additional £10.9 million.
Precept Increase: Raising the police precept by the rate of inflation (3.8%) would only deliver an estimated £5.6 million, leaving a significant shortfall.

Public Input is Crucial

Recognising that the public's contribution is vital, Mr Matthews is asking residents to weigh in on how they would like their precept contributions to be managed.

"It is their police force, their community’s safety and their victim support service, so it is only right that they have a say on the budget to cover that," he commented. He also stressed the need to "think outside the box" and "adapt our spending to take into account the ever-changing nature of criminality."

The survey presents residents with several options for the police precept increase for a Band D property:

Option	Weekly Increase*	Annual Impact/Purpose
Option A	More than £0.30	Contribute towards ongoing financial pressures
Option B	£0.27	Match the increase made last year (£14.00 p/a)
Option C	£0.24	Contribute towards the cost of the Central Government-set pay award
Option D	£0.22	Contribute towards the cost of inflation (currently 3.8%)
Option E	£0.00	No increase, which would result in reductions in services

* For a Band D property

The Commissioner is simultaneously lobbying the government for a fair funding settlement and actively seeking ways to reduce waste and duplication to protect frontline services.

Have Your Say

Residents of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland are encouraged to take part in the survey to ensure their views are considered as the final budget is set.

The survey can be accessed here:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/LLRBudgetSurvey26-27/

Friday, January 10, 2025

Rutland Flooding Update: Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Entering Recovery Stage

As the effects of recent flooding begin to wane, Rutland County Council has announced that Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland are transitioning into the recovery stage following a major incident declaration due to severe weather. With water levels stabilising and the forecast predicting drier conditions, the council is now focusing on restoring normality for its residents.

On Wednesday, January 8th, a significant update was released, marking a turning point in the region’s response to the flooding. Despite the promising shift in conditions, the region is bracing for light rainfall this weekend, while dealing with low temperatures defined by an amber warning that remains in effect until Sunday. As a precaution, the council has reiterated that their gritting operations will continue regularly to ensure highway safety.

The impact of the flooding has been notable, with over 500 properties reported to have flooded across the region, of which five were specifically located in Rutland. Addressing the situation, the council emphasised its commitment to ensuring resident safety, maintaining clear roads, and minimising service disruptions. Efforts are also being made to evaluate the data collected during this incident to improve future responses.

In terms of waste management, Biffa has worked diligently to recover from the delays in black bin collections that were suspended earlier in the week. It has been successfully reported that these collections are now back on track. However, residents in the Farms & Lodges area should be aware that their grey bin collections will be delayed by a day as the team continues to catch up on service schedules.

The council has expressed gratitude to residents for their responsive reporting of flooding incidents through the online form, which has proven invaluable for assessing the situation. They encourage continued usage of this reporting system for any future incidents, assuring residents that their input plays a crucial role in effective flood management.

Authorities are also urging residents to exercise caution by avoiding driving or walking through floodwaters and adhering to road closure signage. Floodwaters can conceal hazards, including debris and dislodged manholes, which can pose serious risks.

Cllr Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Rutland County Council, addressed the severity of the flooding event, highlighting that the region received between 75% and 100% of its expected January rainfall within just a couple of days. This unprecedented deluge, coupled with previous sustained wet weather, has led to significant impacts on the local community.

Cllr Wise reassured residents that consultation is ongoing with various partners to ensure a robust recovery process. In addition, local councils are advocating for governmental financial support for those affected by the flooding. Despite the ongoing lobbying efforts, the outlook for immediate financial relief remains uncertain. The council is considering potential measures, including council tax relief for families displaced from their homes due to the floods—a similar approach utilized during previous storm events.

As Rutland begins its recovery, the priority remains clear: to support affected residents while working towards a comprehensive plan to mitigate future flooding impacts. The council has committed to keeping the community informed throughout this process as they strive to restore safety and normality to the region.

Friday, November 08, 2024

Calling all unpaid carers in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland! Are you passionate about improving the services available to people who rely on your care? This is your chance to make a real difference

Calling all unpaid carers in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland! Are you passionate about improving the services available to people who rely on your care? This is your chance to make a real difference.

Carers Needed! Shape the Future of Support Services in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland

Calling all unpaid carers in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland! Are you passionate about improving the services available to people who rely on your care? This is your chance to make a real difference.

Local authorities in the LLR area have received funding to develop and deliver projects specifically focused on carer needs. One of the first projects involves creating an LLR-wide contingency planning process. This plan will help prepare for situations where a carer is unable to provide care, ensuring the well-being of the person they look after.

Whether you already have a contingency plan or haven't considered one yet, your voice is crucial!

The LLR authorities are inviting you to attend an information and planning session. These sessions will explore the needs of carers and how best to design a contingency plan that works for everyone.

Here's what you need to know:

Who can attend? Unpaid carers aged 18+ who care for someone over 18 in Leicester, Leicestershire, or Rutland.
What will happen? Learn about contingency planning, share your experiences and help shape the LLR-wide process.
When and where are the sessions?
- Tuesday, November 12th, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - County Hall, Leicester (Email: carers@leics.gov.uk)
- Thursday, November 14th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM - The King Centre, Oakham (Email: carersteam@rutland.gov.uk)
- Friday, November 15th, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - The Brite House, Leicester (Email: transformation@leicester.gov.uk)
What's included? Refreshments like tea, coffee, cake, and fruit will be provided.

Space is limited! Each session only has 15 spots. To secure your place or express interest, email the address listed for the session you'd like to attend. The goal is to represent a diverse range of carer needs, so those with various caregiving experiences are encouraged to apply.

Can't make it to a session? Don't worry! The LLR authorities are exploring other ways to get your feedback, including virtual meetings, individual consultations, and online surveys. Stay tuned for further information.

This is your opportunity to directly influence the support services you and other carers rely on. By working together, we can build a more robust and responsive care system for the LLR region.