Big Changes to Rutland’s Bin Collections: What You Need to Know, the Environmental Impact, and the Cost to the Council

Big Changes to Rutland’s Bin Collections What You Need to Know

Rutland County Council is officially rolling out its new waste management strategy starting Monday, March 2nd. The move, aimed at increasing recycling rates and reducing the county's carbon footprint, involves a significant swap of household black bins and the introduction of a brand-new food waste service.

If you’re a Rutland resident, here is everything you need to know to stay ahead of the "Big Swap."

Starting next week, the council will begin replacing the standard 240-litre black bins with smaller 140-litre bins.

How the swap works, The swap happens on your normal collection day, Simply put your black bin out as usual. The crew will empty your old bin, take it away, and leave your new, smaller bin in its place. The new bins will not have house numbers on them. It is recommended that you have stickers or markers ready to label your new bin immediately to avoid confusion with neighbours. 

The council acknowledges that moving to a smaller bin can be a challenge. To help residents adjust, they will accept one fully bagged piece of side waste left next to your new bin for a limited time between March 2nd and March 27th.

Perhaps the biggest change is the introduction of weekly food waste recycling. This is designed to divert organic waste from landfills, where it would otherwise produce harmful greenhouse gases. 

New food waste caddies will be delivered separately starting Monday, March 9th. Weekly food waste collections officially begin on Monday, March 30th. Unlike the alternating black and green bins, food waste will be collected every week on your scheduled collection day.

Smaller black bins are a proven method for encouraging residents to think twice about what they throw away. By pairing the smaller capacity with a new food waste service and existing recycling bins, Rutland County Council aims to significantly boost the county's sustainability scores.

If you're worried about space in the new 140L bin, make sure you're utilising your grey recycling bin to its full extent and prep your kitchen caddy for the March 30th start.

For more information, frequently asked questions, or to view the full guide, visit the official Rutland County Council website.

Editors note:

Many are questioning both the need and the cost to replace and recycle roughly 18,000 bins.

Recycling 18,000 plastic (HDPE) 240-litre wheelie bins results in significant environmental benefits by avoiding landfill, but incurs costs for collection, transport, and processing. Based on typical industry averages, the weight of these bins is approximately 234 tonnes, leading to a carbon saving of roughly 100 to 400 tonnes of CO2e compared to creating new plastic, though the recycling process itself requires energy. The cost to the council, assuming a, conservative, end-of-life contract, is estimated to be between £20,000 and £50,000, though many contracts for high-volume plastic recycling can be cost-neutral or provide rebates.

Buying 18,000 units of 140-litre black wheelie bins would likely cost between £500,000 and £630,000 (excluding VAT), based on a wholesale unit price of approximately £28 to £35. 

A Golden Milestone Rutland Sinfonia Celebrates 50 Years of Musical Magic

A Golden Milestone Rutland Sinfonia Celebrates 50 Years of Musical Magic

The local air is thick with the sound of celebration and for good reason. Rutland Sinfonia is currently mid-flight in its landmark 50th anniversary season, and the community response has been nothing short of a standing ovation.

The orchestra recently announced that their highly anticipated concert, The Sound of Hollywood, scheduled for March 14th at the Oakham School Chapel, is officially fully booked. While the cinematic spectacular is now a closed set for those without tickets, the Sinfonia is quick to remind music lovers that the golden anniversary festivities are far from over.

If you missed out on the Hollywood magic, don’t fret. The orchestra has curated two powerhouse performances to round out their anniversary year, featuring world-class talent and some of the most beloved scores in classical music.

The Enigma and the Virtuoso

When: Saturday, 6th June 2026

Where: St. Peter’s Church, Oundle

This June, the Sinfonia travels to Oundle for a program anchored by Elgar’s Enigma Variations. It is a work defined by mystery and orchestral "sketches" of the composer's friends, making it a fitting tribute to an orchestra built on five decades of community and friendship.

The evening also features a heavyweight guest: Musical Patron Eduardo Vassallo. The former Principal Cellist of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will take center stage for Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, a work widely considered the "king" of cello repertoire for its raw passion and soaring melodies.

The Grand Finale: Strings in the Spotlight

When: Friday, 24th July 2026

Where: All Saints Church, Oakham

To close out this historic 50th season, an ensemble of the Sinfonia’s string players will perform an intimate and expressive program in Oakham. The night will feature:

Elgar’s Serenade for Strings: A piece full of lyrical warmth and English charm.

Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Perhaps the most famous serenade ever written, guaranteed to end the season on a brilliant, high note.

Don't Miss the Encore

After half a century of bringing high-caliber orchestral music to the heart of the East Midlands, the Rutland Sinfonia is proving that they are only getting better with age.

With the March concert already sold out, music fans are encouraged to book early for the June and July performances to ensure they don't miss the final movements of this historic year.

"The music doesn't stop here! There's plenty more fantastic music-making still to come, and we'd love for you to join us." — Rutland Sinfonia

Transparency on the Plate Alicia Kearns MP Calls for Clearer Food Labelling

Transparency on the Plate Alicia Kearns MP Calls for Clearer Food Labelling

In a move centered on consumer empowerment and animal welfare transparency, Alicia Kearns, the Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, is spearheading a call for more rigorous food labelling standards in UK supermarkets.

Her message is straightforward, shoppers deserve to know exactly how their food was produced before it reaches their basket.

At the heart of Alicia Kearns' campaign is the belief that transparency is a fundamental right for every consumer. While current labels often focus on nutritional content or country of origin, Alicia Kearns argues that the method of slaughter is a critical piece of information currently missing from many packages.

Specifically, she is calling for mandatory labelling on, Non-stun slaughtered meat, identifying meat produced via traditional methods where the animal is not stunned prior to slaughter.

Religious slaughter methods, Clear identification of both Halal and Kosher products.

"It’s not about division, it’s about transparency and making informed choices. Shoppers deserve the facts." Alicia Kearns MP

The debate surrounding food labelling often touches on sensitive cultural and religious practices, but Alicia Kearns insists the primary goal is clarity, not criticism. There are three main pillars to this argument, Animal Welfare, Many consumers prioritise animal welfare standards and wish to support specific slaughter methods such as pre-stunning based on their personal ethics. Religious Observation, clearer labels assist those who seek out Halal or Kosher products, ensuring they can shop with confidence and ease.

By providing the full picture, supermarkets foster a relationship of trust with their customers, removing the "guesswork" from the grocery aisles.

Anticipating potential pushback, Alicia Kearns has been proactive in stating that this initiative is not intended to target any specific community. Instead, it aligns with a broader trend in the UK for traceability. Just as consumers now look for "Free Range" or "Organic" stickers to align their purchases with their values, Kearns believes the method of slaughter should be equally accessible.

The call for clearer labelling adds to a growing national conversation about the UK’s post-Brexit food standards. If adopted, these measures could see a significant shift in how meat products are packaged and marketed across the country.

For the residents of Rutland and Stamford, the message is clear, your MP is pushing for a future where the "right to know" is printed right on the label. 

Road Cleared Following Two-Vehicle Collision in Oakham

Road Cleared Following Two-Vehicle Collision in Oakham

Traffic has returned to normal at a busy Oakham junction this evening after a two-vehicle collision briefly obstructed the entrance to the local Co-operative supermarket.

The incident, which occurred during the evening hours, prompted a swift response from Rutland Police and recovery specialists.

Police arrived on the scene to manage the incident at the supermarket entrance, which is a primary artery for local shoppers. To ensure the roadway was cleared efficiently, Crouch Recovery was dispatched to remove the involved vehicles.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts between the recovery team and local police, the entrance was cleared.

Rutland Police confirmed that no injuries were sustained in the crash. Despite the disruption and the visible damage to the vehicles, all parties involved walked away safely.

With evening light fading and high traffic volumes around retail hubs, motorists are encouraged to exercise extra caution when entering and exiting supermarket car parks.

Fraudsters Spoof Official Police Commissioner’s Number to Steal Over £30,000

In a sophisticated and "despicable" string of scams, fraudsters have managed to hijack the digital identity of the Leicestershire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). Since the start of 2026, victims have been defrauded of more than £30,000 by criminals posing as law enforcement or HMRC officials.

Leicestershire Police issued an urgent public warning today after receiving six reports of residents being targeted via the official OPCC phone number: 0116 229 8980.

The criminals are utilising specialist software to perform "number spoofing." This technology allows an unrelated mobile or internet-based line to appear on a victim's caller ID as a legitimate, trusted organisation.

By hiding behind a "shield of trust," scammers use high-pressure tactics to manipulate their targets. Claiming the victim is involved in illegal activity. Insisting the victim's bank account has been compromised and their money is no longer safe. Persuading the victim to transfer funds to a "safe account" or purchase high-value gift cards.

In one devastating case reported on Monday, February 16, a victim purchased £6,100 worth of gift cards before realising the call was a sham.

The Economic Crime Unit (ECU) is currently investigating the communication data to track down the suspects, but officials stress that public awareness is the best line of defense.

"I am absolutely dismayed that the people of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland are being targeted by such calculated and despicable fraudsters, hiding behind institutions of trust," said Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews. "Neither my office nor any professional working on my behalf would ever call to ask you to withdraw money or purchase gift cards."

Nicole McIntyre of the ECU added that while the number on the screen is real, the people on the other end are not. "These incidents are in no way connected to anyone working in the OPCC," she clarified.

Authorities are urging the public to remember that police, banks, and government agencies will never request money or the purchase of gift cards. Ask for your bank account passwords or PIN. Instruct you to carry out an "urgent" financial transaction over the phone.

If you receive a suspicious call from a number you recognise, get the caller's details. Do not stay on the line. Fraudsters can sometimes "hold" a landline open even after you hang up. Waiting ensures the line is clear.

Use a different phone if possible to call the organisation back using a verified number (like the one on the back of your bank card or 101 for police).

If you believe you have been a victim of this or any other fraud, report it immediately to Report Fraud at

https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/

Oakham Town Council to Convene for Critical "UK Town Culture Bid" Talks

Oakham Town Council to Convene for Critical "UK Town Culture Bid" Talks

The push to put Oakham on the national map continues this Wednesday as Town Councillors gather at Rol House for a high-stakes follow-up meeting regarding the town’s ambitious UK Town Culture Bid.

Following the preliminary discussions held just last week, the Council has issued a formal summons for members of the committee to attend the session on Wednesday, 25th February 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The Agenda, Behind Closed Doors?

While much of the meeting follows standard local government procedure including public deputations and the approval of previous minutes the meat of the "Culture Bid" discussion appears tucked within the later, more sensitive stages of the evening.

Of particular note are Items 8 and 9:

Communications Review: Likely addressing how the Council will sell the "Oakham Brand" to national adjudicators and the local electorate.

Expression of Interest: This is the "make or break" moment where the Council decides whether to formally lodge its intent to compete for the prestigious culture title.

However, the public may be left in the dark for the most sensitive parts of the debate. 

The agenda includes a resolution to exclude the press and public under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, citing the need to discuss "financial affairs of persons" and individual details. 

For those wishing to witness the proceedings before the shutters are pulled for private session, the details are as follows:

Wednesday, 25th February 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Rol House, Long Row, Oakham, LE15 6LN

       Residents can pose factual questions during the designated public session.

https://oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk/meetings-calendar/uktoc-committee-2/

UPDATE: it appears they may be a clerical error in the published agenda, a member of the committee has confirmed there are no exempt items to be discussed at the meeting.

Oakham Town Council

Rol House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6LN

01572 723627

enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

www.oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

TO: All members of the Town Council

In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1972, you are hereby summoned to attend a meeting of Oakham Town Council on Wednesday 25^th February 2026 at 5.00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Town Council Offices, Rol House, Long Row, Oakham, LE15 6LN.

Melanie Palmer

Melanie Palmer

Administration Assistant

19^th February 2026

NOTICE OF MEETING

Public Notice of the meeting has been given in accordance with schedule 12, Para 10(2) of the Local Government Act 1972. The Meeting is open to the press and public. Members of the public attending this meeting are advised that it may be filmed and recorded.

AGENDA

1. APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE: To receive and approve apologies for absences.

2. DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS AND APPLICATIONS FOR DISPENSATION: Reminder to Members to disclose either a Pecuniary Interest or Other Interest in any item on the agenda. The clerk cannot advise members on this. Members are personally responsible for declaring an interest. Members are respectfully advised to read the Code of Conduct for more information. Councillors are also responsible for ensuring that their Registers of Interests are up to date (within 28 days of any changes)

3. DEPUTATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: An opportunity for members of the public to speak in accordance with Standing Orders 1 (d)- 1(i)

4. MINUTES: To confirm the accuracy of the minutes from the Full Council meeting held on 18^th February 2026.

6. CHAIRMANS REPORT: To receive information

7. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE: To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items on the grounds that they relate to individuals and the financial affairs of

persons. This information is classed as exempt under paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972.

8. COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW:

9. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST:

DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING:

NOTES:

a) The meeting is open to the press & public.

b) The Town Council allows a short period of time at meetings of the Full Council when residents can put questions to the council. At other times, the public are not able to take part in the proceedings except at the discretion of the Chairman who may at a convenient time in the transaction of business adjourn the meeting and suspend standing orders to allow any member of the public to address the meeting and ask questions requiring answers of a factual nature.

c) Mobile phones are to be switched to silent during the meeting

Redwood Trees and Quarry Extensions Top Agenda for Ketton Liaison Meeting

Redwood Trees and Quarry Extensions Top Agenda for Ketton Liaison Meeting

By Your Democracy Reporter

A critical update regarding the future of the Heidelberg Materials site in Ketton is set to go before Rutland County Councillors this week. The report, following the latest Liaison Committee meeting attended by Councillors M. Farina and K. Payne, outlines significant industrial changes, environmental safeguards, and a looming decision on a 25-year quarry extension.

The headline issue for many residents will be the ongoing planning application for two major extraction extension areas. If approved, these would secure operations at the Ketton site for another quarter of a century.

However, the path to approval hasn't been without hurdles. Following the first consultation period last June, Rutland County Council (RCC) requested a Regulation 25 submission essentially a demand for more detailed environmental information. 

Two specific sticking points have emerged in "Field 14"

Ongoing issues involving Anglian Water.

The potential loss of several Redwood trees, a prospect likely to draw scrutiny from local conservationists.

The Environment Agency (EA) remains active on-site. A July inspection focused on two key areas of local concern

An audit of process water discharged into the River Chater found "good practice" and no non-compliances.

Inspectors reviewed a newly installed noise curtain on a conveyor housing, following a formal complaint from a local resident.

The EA is scheduled to return in December 2026 to inspect the landfill and the effectiveness of cleaning measures for the "Profuel" lorries departing the site.

As some areas of the quarry move toward the end of their lifecycle, restoration plans are taking shape.

While weather has paused work until spring, the committee noted that Field 12 will undergo a three-year landscaping project. 

The goal is to create a mosaic of Limestone grassland and arable pasture.

New woodland areas.

A pond area designed to mirror the "gentle batons" (slopes) of the completed Field 11.

Beyond the quarry gates, the report touches on broader issues affecting the Ketton ward. 

The village of Tinwell is still reeling from severe flooding. Heavy rain recently forced the closure of Main Street, impacting several homes. While highways teams have completed a thorough survey, the report indicates that "further work is to be done" to prevent a recurrence.

What’s Next?

Councillors will receive the report at this Thursday's meeting.

Rutland Policing Under the Microscope, Funding Gaps and Diversity Failures Highlighted

Rutland Policing Under the Microscope, Funding Gaps and Diversity Failures Highlighted

By Your Democracy Reporter

Rutland County Councillors are set to review a sobering update from the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) Police and Crime Panel, following the latest meeting attended by Cllr Christine Wise.

The report paints a picture of a force grappling with persistent underfunding and internal "breaches in practice" regarding equality and diversity.

Here are the four key takeaways from the December 1st session that will impact how our community is policed.

1. The Funding "Shortfall": A Growing Concern
While the final budget and precept (the amount you pay for policing in your Council Tax) won't be decided until February, the preliminary financial outlook is grim.

The panel discussed a "continual shortfall" in central government funding. The core of the issue lies in unfunded mandates specifically, pay rises and new national initiatives that the Home Office announces but does not fully pay for.

LLR remains in a "disadvantaged position" compared to other regions.

Local leaders have sent a series of letters to government ministers to highlight the persistent underfunding of our local force.

2. "Serious Breaches" in Officer Training
Perhaps the most alarming portion of the report came from the Ethics and Transparency Panel. Members of the Hate Crime sub-panel reported witnessing "serious breaches in practice" regarding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

The Force is instituting immediate, mandatory training for officers, with a specific focus on LGBTQ+ issues.

Officials are now investigating whether these breaches were isolated incidents or indicative of a "bigger systemic issue" within the ranks.

3. Attendance Woes Hamper Oversight
The report highlighted significant hurdles in holding the police to account, largely due to a lack of engagement from "external partners."

The Out of Court Resolution sub-panel which monitors how crimes are handled without a full trial was only able to meet once this year.

The Hate Crime sub-panel also saw a July meeting cancelled.

Both the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the Chief Constable are now reportedly writing to these partners to demand they show up to the table.

4. Complaints Against the PCC
The Panel’s Legal Advisor confirmed the status of complaints made against the Police and Crime Commissioner over the last year. Currently, the system relies heavily on informal conflict resolution, as the panel has limited legal power to take further action. At the time of the report, two complaints remain active and unresolved at the time of the meeting was held.

Rutland Council to Launch Anti-Drug Campaign as "Disappointing" Probation Silence Continues

Rutland Council to Launch Anti-Drug Campaign as "Disappointing" Probation Silence Continues

By the Rutland Democracy Reporter

Rutland residents will soon be urged to play a more active role in spotting and reporting illegal drug activity, following a key summit of the county’s safety leaders.

The proposal for a new public communications campaign is one of several major talking points in a report to be presented to Rutland County Council this week by Councillor Christine Wise. The report follows the latest meeting of the Safer Rutland Partnership Strategy Board, which also saw Cllr Diane Ellison in attendance.

A central pillar of the meeting was a multi-agency deep dive into illegal drug use across the county. The discussion was sparked by concerns raised directly by Ward Councillors, who reported growing unease in their local communities.

In response, the Board has moved to launch a dedicated "Comms campaign." The initiative aims to provide residents with clear, actionable details on how to report suspicious behaviour, ensuring that local intelligence is fed directly to the authorities for follow-up.

As the county moves through the winter months, the Board reviewed its "seasonal planning" strategy. While much of the public focus remains on retail crime and shoplifting during the busy shopping periods, the report warns of a spike in more hidden dangers.

Safety leaders highlighted a seasonal increase in four critical areas,

Drink-driving, Targeted enforcement is expected on Rutland's rural roads.
Domestic Fires, Often linked to increased use of heating and festive decorations.
Domestic Abuse, Patterns in Rutland show a concerning rise during the holiday season.
Retail Crime, Enhanced initiatives are already underway to protect local businesses.

The Board also received an update from the Violence Reduction Network (VRN). The network’s work in Rutland is currently focused on early intervention with young people, aiming to steer at-risk individuals away from the criminal justice system before patterns of behavior become entrenched.

Despite the overall productivity of the meeting, the report contains a stinging rebuke for the Probation Service.

For the second meeting in a row, the service failed to provide a requested update, despite having a dedicated slot on the agenda. Cllr Wise noted that the request has been "rolled forward" yet again, but the repeated absence of a report was described as a significant "disappointment" for the Partnership.

The Full Council receive the report during their meeting at Catmose this Thursday.

Rutland Council to Probe Data Risks and Rising Costs in Community Safety Overhaul

Rutland Council to Probe Data Risks and Rising Costs in Community Safety Overhaul

By Rutland Democracy Reporter

A "more advanced" use of technology in Rutland has inadvertently created a headache for officials as they move to a new system for tracking anti-social behaviour, a new report to Council reveals.

The update, provided by Councillor Christine Wise following the latest meeting of the Leicestershire and Rutland Safer Communities Strategy Board, highlights several looming challenges for the county, from data integrity risks to a sharp rise in the cost of investigating domestic tragedies.

Rutland is currently transitioning to a new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) recording system, a project being spearheaded by Leicestershire County Council. However, the move hasn't been entirely smooth.

The report notes that Rutland’s existing use of ASB data is "more advanced" than that of neighbouring authorities. While usually a point of pride, this sophistication is now causing "data integrity issues" as information is transferred from the old system to the new one. Councillors are expected to seek assurances this week that no critical case files or historical evidence will be lost or corrupted during the migration.

One of the most contentious points in the report involves a proposed doubling of the financial contribution required from Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) to fund Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs).

DHRs are statutory investigations carried out after a death results from domestic violence, intended to ensure local agencies learn lessons to prevent future tragedies. While the Board acknowledged that the workload associated with these reviews has "increased greatly," members balked at the request for more money without a clear breakdown of costs.

"They were asked to bring a costing paper back to the next meeting," Cllr Wise reported, signaling that Rutland and its partners are not prepared to sign off on a 100% price hike without a detailed justification.

The report also introduced an "interesting" new sentencing tool designed to break the cycle of crime for offenders with mental health issues.

The Mental Health Treatment Referral (MHTR) is now an option for individuals whose crimes cross the "community order threshold" but who suffer from conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

The program offers a clinical alternative to traditional punishment,

The Treatment: 12 sessions with an Assistant Psychologist.
The Method: A "person-centred" approach using Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
The Entry Point: Referrals can be made at the point of arrest or via a Probation Officer.

Despite the potential for this scheme to reduce reoffending in Rutland, the report noted there was "limited discussion" about it at the Board level. 

Councillors may look to dig deeper into how many Rutland residents have already been diverted into this scheme and whether the county has the psychological resources to meet the demand.

The report will be formally presented to the Full Council this week at Catmose.

Rutland Council to Hear ‘Scary’ Statistics on LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse as Project Echo Gains Momentum

Rutland Council to Hear ‘Scary’ Statistics on LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse as Project Echo Gains Momentum

By the Rutland Democracy Reporter

Rutland County Councillors will this week receive a sobering update on the state of domestic abuse support across the county, highlighting the specific vulnerabilities of the LGBTQ+ community and a new push to put survivors at the heart of policy-making.

The report, authored by Councillor Christine Wise following a meeting of the Leicestershire and Rutland Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board, reveals that while the most recent session was brief, the data shared was anything but light.

A presentation from the Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre provided a stark reminder of the disproportionate impact of domestic violence on sexual and gender minorities. According to the data brought back to the Council, one in five (20%) LGBTQ+ people have experienced domestic abuse from a partner.

Even more troubling for local advocates is the statistic that one in three LGBTQ+ people in the UK have faced abuse from their own relatives. Cllr Wise described the figures as "scary," noting that the Centre is using its current funding to bridge gaps in support that have historically left these victims feeling isolated from mainstream services.

The Council is also set to hear the first details of Project Echo, an ambitious new initiative aimed at fundamentally changing how Rutland and Leicestershire design their support systems.

The project’s goal is to create a "sustainable model" that embeds the actual voices of child and adult survivors into the delivery of policies. Rather than services being designed solely by officials, Project Echo ensures those with lived experience of abuse have a seat at the table.

The project is currently in its infancy, with coordinators busy gathering data from a wide variety of community groups to ensure the final framework is representative of Rutland’s diverse population.

The report also touched upon the Domestic Abuse Act Funding Update, though many details were "taken as read" during the partnership board meeting. Councillors are expected to seek assurances that Rutland’s share of national funding is being targeted effectively, particularly toward the "Invest to Save" initiatives and early intervention programs like Project Echo.

The Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board remains a critical link between the County Council and the frontline charities and police services tasked with keeping Rutland residents safe.

The report will be formally noted at the Full Council meeting this week at Catmose.

Are you affected?

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, you can contact the Rutland Domestic Abuse Service or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247.

Rutland Braces for Council Tax Rise Amid "Unprecedented" Funding Cuts

Rutland Braces for Council Tax Rise Amid "Unprecedented" Funding Cuts

By the Rutland Democracy Reporter

Rutland County Council is set to navigate its most challenging financial landscape in years, as the 272nd meeting of the Council on February 26th prepares to address an "unprecedented" level of uncertainty in government funding.

The meeting at Catmose will be the Integrated Budget Plan (IBP) and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2028/29. Despite initial hopes for a funding boost from the "Fair Funding Review 2.0," recent government policy shifts have instead signaled a stark 19.9% loss in funding compared to the previous year.

The "KLOE" Approach to a 5% Tax Increase

To bridge the widening fiscal gap, the Council is proposing a 5% increase in Council Tax. This rise which includes the application of a second homes premium is projected to generate approximately £36.9 million in the coming year, rising to over £40 million by 2028/29.

Council leaders are employing a new "Key Lines of Enquiry" (KLOE) framework to manage this transition. This structured approach aims to identify efficiencies and "invest to save" opportunities rather than relying on short-term fixes. Key proposals include,

Highways Realignment A projected £700,000 in savings through reduced demand and commissioning efficiencies.

Reallocating funds to address cost pressures from the National Living Wage and higher Employer National Insurance contributions.

Prioritising capital projects that offer ongoing revenue savings, such as waste infrastructure improvements.

Despite the budget tightening, the Council remains committed to its Corporate Strategy refresh, which focuses on supporting the most vulnerable and tackling the climate emergency.

Major capital projects on the table include,

The "Local Link": A health and care campus next to Rutland Memorial Hospital designed to join up support and bring services closer to home.

Investment in X-ray services at Rutland Memorial Hospital to reduce external referrals.

A new route between Oakham and Rutland Water to promote sustainable transport.

Initial phases of a program to create a "sustainable cultural hub" through improved museum facilities.

The budget proposals come against a backdrop of significant public concern. Feedback from recent consultations revealed deep-seated frustration among some residents, with many citing "potholes in the roads," a lack of local medical assistance, and the feeling that "our input is totally ignored". One resident described the recurring tax hikes as a "fait accompli," while others questioned the £6 million earmarked for the Rutland Museum.

The meeting, chaired by Councillor A. Brown, will be recorded and published for public viewing, though seating in the Council Chamber remains limited.

Following this meeting, the Council is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, 26 March 2026.