Former Rutland, Leicester and Leicestershire Police Crime Commissioner Slams Successor Over 'Astonishing' Police Budget Decision

Former Rutland, Leicester and Leicestershire PCC Slams Successor Over 'Astonishing' Police Budget Decision

By Local Democracy Reporter

A fierce political row has erupted over the future of policing in Leicestershire, as former Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lord Willy Bach launched a blistering attack on his successor, Rupert Matthews.

In a stinging social media post, Lord Bach accused the current Reform PCC of "selling the citizens of Leicestershire short" after Mr. Matthews reportedly rejected police advice regarding the annual council tax precept.

The heart of the dispute lies in the police precept the portion of council tax that goes toward funding local law enforcement. Lord Bach claims that Mr. Matthews has refused to set the precept at the £15 increase recommended by Leicestershire Police, a move he says is out of step with every other PCC in the country.

According to Lord Bach, this decision will leave a significant black hole in the force's finances:

• £1.4 million: The extra savings the force will reportedly have to find next year.

• 30 Officers: The equivalent loss in manpower resulting from the funding gap.

"I am upset and angry at the astonishing and ridiculous decision by my successor," Lord Bach stated. "The result of his decision will be that our Police Force will have to lose the money equivalent of more than 30 additional Police Officers who would be protecting us from crime."

Lord Bach further argued that the public is willing to pay more to ensure safety, comparing the £15 annual increase to the price of "one cup of coffee per year." He claimed that a majority of residents consulted were in favor of the higher precept to better protect communities across the city and the two counties.

"It is astonishing that the PCC has gone against police advice. But then, over the last five years he has always treated the police force with barely concealed contempt."

The critique did not stop at budget figures. Lord Bach leveled a series of personal and professional accusations against Mr. Matthews, citing the departure of "two outstanding Chief Constables" during his tenure and accusing him of "trashing the Leicestershire Police’s good reputation."

"This is a step too far," Lord Bach concluded. "I hope most of those who read this will agree that his conduct here is totally unacceptable."

Rutland County Council Steps Up After Oakham Town Council Limits LGBT Flag Display for LGBT History Month

Rutland County Council Steps Up After Oakham Town Council Limits LGBT Flag Display for LGBT History Month

By The Local Democracy Reporter

In a swift response to local disappointment, Rutland County Council (RCC) has stepped in to ensure the LGBT flag flies prominently in Oakham throughout February. The move comes after Oakham Town Council (OTC) sparked backlash with a decision described by critics as "daft."

The controversy began when Oakham Town Council voted to amend a proposal regarding the flying of the flag at Cutts Close. While Councillors Martin Brookes and Sally-Anne Wadsworth initially sought a more extensive display for LGBT+ History Month, the council ultimately decided the flag would only be hoisted on the first and last days of the month.

Cllr Brookes expressed his frustration with the outcome, noting that while he must respect the democratic decision of the chamber, the result was "disappointing."

The decision by the Town Council did not sit well with Oakham’s LGBT+ community. Following discussions with Hannah, the organiser of Oakham Pride, Cllr Brookes escalated the matter to the unitary authority.

In a significant win for local campaigners, Rutland County Council agreed to fly the flag in a high-visibility location: outside the Rutland County Library.

"I am pleased and thank Rutland County Council, they recognise how important LGBT History Month is to the community," Cllr Brookes said. "Very shortly after speaking to Oakham Pride, I decided to write to the County Council, and I am pleased to say they agreed to fly the flag in a prominent place."

LGBT+ History Month is an annual month-long observance that focuses on the history of gay rights and related civil rights movements.

It aims to promote equality and diversity by making the achievements and contributions of LGBT+ people visible, histories that were often suppressed or ignored in the past.

Flying the flag is a public signal of inclusion. It tells residents and visitors that the county is a safe, welcoming place for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

February was chosen in the UK to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28, a law that previously prohibited local authorities from "promoting" homosexuality.

The debate over the flagpoles at Cutts Close is far from over. The issue is set to return to Oakham Town Council in approximately six months.

While the Town Council has traditionally flown the flag for the Leicester Pride weekend, Cllr Brookes indicated a pragmatic approach for future requests. "I don’t think I will be asking for the flag to be flown for the entire Pride month," 

For now, however, the rainbow colours will remain a constant fixture outside the library, ensuring the month of February is marked with the visibility the community fought for.

Oakham Council Faces Cultural Crossroads Amid Victoria Hall Closure, extraordinary meeting

Oakham Council Faces Cultural Crossroads Amid Victoria Hall Closure

by The Local Democracy Reporter.

 A major bid for a new government initiative and a significant modernisation of the Town Council’s digital infrastructure are set to headline an upcoming extraordinary meeting of Oakham Town Council.

The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, will see local representatives gather at the council offices at Rol House to discuss the future of the town’s cultural standing and its internal operations.

The most high-profile item on the agenda is a proposal for Oakham to bid for the Town of Culture, a new government initiative. If successful, the designation could potentially unlock funding and prestige for the town.

However, time is of the essence. Following the government’s announcement last October via County Councils, (Rutland County Council have said they did not receive notification to inform town councils) the initial application which requires public and stakeholder consultations must be completed by March. Critics have pointed to the Council's history of slow progress, most notably regarding the ongoing efforts to rescue Victoria Hall from trustee failings. Despite over a year of council intervention, Victoria Hall closed its doors this month, casting a shadow over the town's cultural capacity just as this new bid is considered.

In addition to cultural ambitions, the Council is looking to streamline its communication and financial management. Members will consider SMS Messaging adopting "GOV.UK Notify" as the Council’s official system for sending text messages to residents.

Implementing Google Workspace to better coordinate consultations, surveys, and working groups.

The potential transfer of council funds from HSBC to Unity Bank.

Public Participation

As with all full council meetings, residents are encouraged to attend and participate. Under the Council’s standing orders, there is a designated window for public deputations and questions.

However, residents are reminded that outside of these specific periods, public participation is only permitted at the Chairman's discretion. Those attending should also be aware that the proceedings are filmed and recorded and streamed live.

Meeting Details:

When: Wednesday, 4th February 2026, at 6:30 p.m. 

Where: Town Council Offices, Rol House, Long Row, Oakham 

Next Meeting: 11th February 2026

A Special Evening with a National Treasure Dame Mary Berry at Rutland Nursery

A Special Evening with a National Treasure Dame Mary Berry at Rutland Nursery

Gardening enthusiasts and fans of the legendary Dame Mary Berry have a rare treat in store this spring. On Tuesday, 10th March 2026, Rutland Nursery will host the beloved cook and gardener for an exclusive "Authors in Conversation" event to celebrate the release of her memoir, My Gardening Life.
While many know her for her iconic role in the kitchen, Mary’s heart has always belonged to the soil. This event offers a unique glimpse into the private passions of a national treasure, set against the stunning backdrop of The View at Rutland Nursery.

A Journey from Seed to Soil

In her new book, My Gardening Life, Mary Berry traces her horticultural roots back to her childhood in Bath. She shares how her father’s seed packets first sparked a curiosity that has spanned decades. Readers and event guests will learn about, The tiny childhood plot that started it all.  Navigating the shaded corners of her former London home to her current flourishing Oxfordshire garden. Practical tips on everything from container gardening to the secrets of perfect asparagus. Insights and contributions from gardening royalty like Alan Titchmarsh, Sarah Raven, and Bunny Guinness.

The Event Experience

The evening is designed to be as warm and inspiring as Mary herself. Hosted by Rutland Nursery’s in-house expert Chris Young, the event features an intimate interview followed by a relaxed Q&A session where you can ask Mary for your own gardening (or perhaps baking!) tips.

Event Schedule

6:45 pm: Doors open. Enjoy a selection of refreshments (wine or non-alcoholic options) and gourmet canapés.
7:20 pm: Guests called to be seated.
7:30 pm: Live interview with Dame Mary Berry.
8:15 pm: Q&A session with the floor.
8:45 pm: Event concludes.

Booking & Tickets

Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this high-profile appearance. Notably, 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to Mary’s chosen charity, making it an evening of both personal enrichment and giving back.

Ticket Type	Price	Includes
Standard Entry	£40	Refreshments & canapés on arrival.
Signed Book Ticket	£60	Entry, refreshments, plus a personally signed copy of My Gardening Life.

Tickets are on sale now! You can secure your spot via the link below:  Book Tickets Here
Contact Information
For further inquiries, please reach out to the Rutland Nursery events team:
Contact: Victoria Cutting, Events Manager
Email: victoria@rutlandnursery.co.uk
Website: www.rutlandnursery.co.uk
Socials: @rutlandnursery