Rutland Residents Oppose Council Re-Organisation, Favouring South Lincolnshire Partnership
A recent survey conducted by MP Alicia Kearns reveals that the vast majority of Rutland residents are opposed to proposals for local government re-organisation. The survey, which received input from residents and mirrored findings from public events, found that a resounding two-thirds of respondents are against abolishing smaller councils like Rutland County Council and replacing them with larger unitary authorities.
Strong Support for a Lincolnshire-Rutland Model
Of the five models for local government re-organisation presented in the survey, the South Lincolnshire and Rutland model received the strongest support, with 64% of residents favoring it. This option would see Rutland join with North Kesteven, South Kesteven, and South Holland. Many respondents described this as the "least worst" option, citing Rutland's strong cultural and economic ties to Lincolnshire, particularly to the town of Stamford.
In stark contrast, options that included joining with Leicester or a single Leicestershire unitary council received almost no support.
A Call to Preserve Rutland's Identity
The survey results also highlighted a powerful attachment to Rutland's small county identity. Residents expressed pride in the county's unique heritage and urged that the independence it regained in 1997 not be lost. This sentiment aligns with the clear opposition to larger, more distant governing bodies.
Alicia Kearns has shared the survey findings with local councils, including the Leader of Rutland County Council, to ensure that the voices and preferences of residents are heard and represented in ongoing negotiations. This is particularly relevant as Rutland County Council's own "consultation" did not ask residents about their preferred re-organisation model.
Survey Breakdown:
The survey results broke down as follows:
South Lincolnshire and Rutland: 64%
None, stay as it is: 18.3%
Leicestershire North and Rutland: 11.1%
Single Leicestershire (and Rutland) Unitary: 3.3%
Not sure: 3.3%
