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

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.

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/

Festive Fun at Oakham Christmas Light Switch-On. Police Action in Oakham and Rutland

Festive Fun at Oakham Christmas Light Switch-On. Police Action in Oakham and Rutland

Leicestershire Police in Rutland have provided an update on their activity surrounding the town's highly successful annual Christmas Light Switch-On event.

The event proved to be a fantastic occasion for community engagement, with local officers enjoying the chance to mingle with residents and business owners alike.

"We had a fantastic time attending the Oakham Christmas light switch-on event! It was great to speak to so many residents and local business owners who came along to celebrate."

The evening was packed with entertainment, including the appearance of Leicester City Football Club's beloved mascot, Filbert Fox, and, much to the delight of the crowd, a special visit from Santa Claus himself! A highlight of the night was an incredible fire performer, an act the police humorously warned spectators: (Please don’t try this at home!).

Routine Patrols Lead to Swift Arrest

This month the policing team had been highly visible across the town centre. PC Joe & PC James conducted proactive foot patrols in and around Oakham's shops.

Officers reported great engagement with local shoppers, businesses, and even a few tourists, reinforcing the police presence in the retail area.

Officers were called to an incident of retail crime, the patrol team was alerted to a serious incident involving a shoplifter who had assaulted members of staff at a local shop.

Police swiftly responded, resulting in a local man being detained and arrested on suspicion of theft and assault.

The suspect was then transported to custody in Leicester for further processing.

This rapid action underscores the police force's commitment to supporting local businesses and ensuring the safety of retail staff during the busy festive period.

Leicestershire Police encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help keep the community safe.

It's been Busy for Rutland Neighbourhood Policing Team: From Joint Working to Foot Chases

Rutland PCSO Lauren of the Rutland Neighbourhood Policing team has provided a snapshot of the high-tempo activities carried out over the past three evenings this month, showcasing the diverse and demanding nature of their local enforcement and community engagement work.

In a recent update, PCSO Lauren detailed a period of intense joint agency cooperation, proactive policing, and essential community presence across the county, alongside her colleague, Beth.

A significant portion of their time was dedicated to collaborative problem-solving, highlighting the importance of integrated neighbourhood policing:

The team completed joint agency meetings with the council and visited residents concerning complaints directed at both the police and local authorities.

PCSO Lauren emphasised that "this joint working is key to neighbourhood working," ensuring seamless resolution of community issues.

Swift Action at Loughborough Fair

The team's duties extended beyond Rutland's borders to assist with a large public event, requiring rapid response and physical effort: Officers policed the large-scale Loughborough Fair.

Foot Chase and Safeguarding: The evening involved physical action, with the officers getting their "running shoes out for a foot chase" and assisting with a vulnerable child, ensuring the girl was safely reunited with her home.

Local Presence and Crime Prevention

Maintaining high visibility and addressing local crime concerns remained a priority across Rutland's villages and Oakham town centre:

Village Patrols: Regular patrolling of villages throughout Rutland was conducted by car.

Oakham Focus: The team conducted foot patrols around Oakham and the surrounding villages, reinforcing public safety.

Investigative Work: In relation to ongoing retail crime, the officers spent time collecting CCTV in relation to shop thefts in Oakham.

Community Events: They also attended the Barrowden Christmas Market, blending law enforcement with local celebration.

Casual Wear, Serious Consequences: Uninsured Driver Caught in Pyjamas in Oakham

Leicestershire Police in Rutland reported a "fairly steady Saturday night shift" marked by generally good-natured behaviour, but officers dealt with a few isolated incidents, including an unusual vehicle stop and a drug-driving arrest.

A Costly Mid-Night Fuel Stop

The quiet early hours of Sunday morning saw officers spot a BMW driving into Oakham. The driver, notably wearing pyjamas and a dressing gown, pulled into a petrol station to fuel up his car.

Officers conducted a stop check on the vehicle as it left the town. The driver, referred to by the police as 'PJ', explained he was giving his girlfriend, who was also in her pyjamas, a lift home some distance away.

The situation took a serious turn when police checks confirmed the vehicle's details:

• The Outcome: The BMW was uninsured.

• Consequence: The driver was reported for driving without insurance, and the car was seized.

The couple's journey ended abruptly, though a friend fortunately agreed to come and collect them. The incident serves as a sharp reminder that even quick trips require valid insurance.

Drug Driver Arrested Near Ashwell

Earlier on Saturday evening, officers were conducting patrols when they began following a Mercedes travelling towards the village of Ashwell.

Officers soon detected a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle, prompting a stop.

• Seizure and Arrest: A quantity of drugs was seized, and the driver subsequently failed a roadside drug test.

• Custody: The individual was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and transported to custody in Leicester.

The Rutland officers highlighted that while the majority of the community enjoyed a calm weekend, they remain vigilant against criminal and dangerous driving offences across the county.

Op VEX: Melton and Rutland Police Commander Delivers Strong Update on Retail Crime Crackdown

Melton & Rutland - Inspector Darren Richardson, Commander for the Melton & Rutland Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA), has released a positive update on "Op Vex," a dedicated police operation targeting retail crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the run-up to the Christmas period.

The update confirms that the first week of Operation Vex has had a "very positive impact," with officers significantly increasing their high-visibility patrols across the key town centres of Melton and Oakham.

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Week One: Enforcement and Arrests

The operation has focused on proactive patrols and swift response to incidents, resulting in several key arrests and consistent engagement with local retail partners.

Date	Location	Activity	Result
17 Nov	Melton Town Centre	Foot pursuit of an individual.	Subject surrendered to police; engagement with local stakeholders (BP, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons).
18 Nov	Area unspecified	Targeted operation.	Arrest of a prolific shoplifter, who was also found in possession of heroin.
20 Nov	Melton & Oakham	Additional officers allocated to Op VEX.	Arrest made for theft from Iceland, Melton. Arrest made for theft from Lidl, Oakham. Daytime and evening patrols carried out.
21 Nov	Various Retailers	Reassurance visits.	Visits conducted to Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, BP, and Aldi.
21 Nov	Area unspecified	Proactive policing.	Officers carried out stop searches and assisted with further arrests.

Inspector Richardson confirmed that the increased presence is part of the force’s strategy to keep town centres "safe and welcoming" for shoppers and businesses as the festive season begins.

Commitment to Community Safety

The arrests for theft in both Melton (Iceland) and Oakham (Lidl) demonstrate a clear focus on the priority issue of retail crime, which is a key concern for local businesses at this time of year. The proactive visits to major retailers on November 21st aim to strengthen communication and provide reassurance.

Inspector Richardson closed his update with a clear message to the community:

"Our commitment is clear: we’re here to protect our communities, support local businesses, and tackle anti-social behaviour head-on."

He urged the public to continue supporting the operation by reporting any suspicious activity directly to officers on patrol or via the non-emergency 101 number or online reporting service.

Rutland's County Status 'Hangs in the Balance' as MP's Amendment is Declined. Why the "County Council" Name? The omission of Rutland from the Lieutenancies Act 1997 was an oversight or, more accurately, a legislative anomaly.

Rutland's County Status 'Hangs in the Balance' as MP's Amendment is Declined. Why the "County Council" Name? The omission of Rutland from the Lieutenancies Act 1997 was an oversight or, more accurately, a legislative anomaly.

Rutland's County Status 'Hangs in the Balance' as MP's Amendment is Declined

Rutland's status as a distinct county is once again under threat, according to local MP Alicia Kearns, after the Government declined her crucial amendment aimed at safeguarding the county's identity during upcoming local government reorganisation (LGR).

The issue centres on a decades-old legislative oversight that has left Rutland's ceremonial county status vulnerable to change if its local government structure is merged into a larger body.

The Legislative Time Bomb: Lieutenancies Act 1997

Rutland was re-established as an independent unitary authority in 1997, having been merged into Leicestershire in 1974. However, the legislation that governs ceremonial counties, the Lieutenancies Act 1997, was drawn up before Rutland formally returned to county status.

Because Rutland is not explicitly listed in the 1997 Act as a county for which a Lord-Lieutenant is appointed, its ceremonial status is currently tied to its existence as an independent unitary council.

Should the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals proceed to merge Rutland County Council into a larger authority (such as one covering North Leicestershire and Rutland), the ceremonial county status could automatically cease to exist. This would see Rutland lose its Lord-Lieutenant, who acts as the monarch's representative, effectively stripping the area of its historic identity.

MP Calls Declined Amendment a 'Last Opportunity'

Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns had tabled an amendment to a Government bill likely the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill that would have added Rutland to the list in the Lieutenancies Act 1997, ensuring its ceremonial status was protected regardless of any future administrative changes.

The Government's decision to decline this amendment has raised serious alarm bells.

"Alicia Kearns calls it a last opportunity to amend the Lieutenancies Act, where Rutland is missing because it was drawn up before the county returned in 1997."

The MP expressed concern that "time is against us and it will get forgotten" if the opportunity is not taken now, before the administrative reorganisation is finalised.

The push to protect Rutland's identity comes amidst a national programme of LGR, which seeks to create larger unitary councils, often with minimum populations of over 350,000, significantly larger than Rutland's population of around 41,000.

While the administrative future of Rutland is still being debated, the vulnerability of its ceremonial status is a separate, but critical, legislative challenge that requires immediate government action.

Ms. Kearns remains hopeful that another legislative vehicle will become available after the local government reorganisation takes place, but the delay adds uncertainty to the future of England's smallest historic county.

The two issues concerning Rutland's county status—its omission from the Lieutenancies Act 1997 and the name of its local authority—are related to its unique history of being abolished and then restored as a county.

1. Omission from the Lieutenancies Act 1997: A Legislative Anomaly

The omission of Rutland from the Lieutenancies Act 1997 was an oversight or, more accurately, a legislative anomaly stemming from the timing of its restoration as a county.

The Background

• Abolition (1974): Rutland was abolished as an administrative county by the Local Government Act 1972 and merged into Leicestershire in 1974. Along with this, the position of Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland (the King’s representative for the ceremonial county) was also abolished

• The Act (1997): The Lieutenancies Act 1997 was passed to define the areas of the Lieutenancies (ceremonial counties) in Great Britain. Critically, this Act was based on the local government map before Rutland was formally restored.

• Restoration (1997): Rutland was formally restored as a unitary authority (an administrative county) on April 1, 1997, following the recommendations of the Local Government Commission for England.

The Problem

Because the Lieutenancies Act was drawn up concurrently with or just before the administrative changes officially came into effect, it failed to specifically list Rutland as a standalone ceremonial county.

Instead, Rutland's ceremonial status is currently implicitly tied to its existence as an independent unitary authority. If future local government reorganisation were to merge Rutland County Council into a larger administrative body, the lack of explicit inclusion in the 1997 Act means that the ceremonial county and its Lieutenancy could automatically cease to exist. This is the basis of MP Alicia Kearns' concern.

2. Why the "County Council" Name?

Rutland's local authority is called Rutland County Council (officially, Rutland County Council District Council) because it is a unitary authority performing all functions of both a county and a district council.

The Legal Status

• Dual Role: Since April 1, 1997, Rutland has been a unitary authority. This means it performs both the county-level functions (like education, social services, and highways) and the district-level functions (like waste collection and local planning) for its area.

• Legal Name: Legally, the authority was created as a non-metropolitan district council that simply took on the extra functions of a county council. Its full legal name is Rutland County Council District Council.

• Public Name: The council resolved in 1996, ahead of the change, to style itself 'Rutland County Council' for all practical purposes. This was a nod to its long and proud history as a county, confirming that it was once again responsible for all local government services. The longer official name is generally reserved for only the most essential legal documents.

In short, it is called a "County Council" because it performs the duties of a county council, even though its strict legal classification as part of the 1997 reform process technically classified it as a district council with enhanced powers.

Gretton Gears Up for Festive Cheer at Annual Christmas Fayre

Gretton Gears Up for Festive Cheer at Annual Christmas Fayre

Mark your calendars, because Gretton's Christmas Fayre is set to sprinkle a generous dose of holiday magic this November! This beloved family event offers the perfect opportunity to kick off your festive season and support the local community.

A Day of Festive Fun for the Whole Family

On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the doors of the Gretton Village Hall will swing open from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM to welcome visitors. Best of all? Entry is completely free

The Fayre is promising a wonderful atmosphere "full of festive cheer," making it a must-visit for families and gift-hunters alike.

A major highlight of the day will be the various craft and gift stalls. This is a fantastic chance to browse an array of unique handmade items and treats, providing you with a great opportunity to find those special, one-of-a-kind presents for friends and family. More importantly, the stalls will be supporting local groups and organisations, ensuring that your spending benefits the heart of the community.

No festive gathering is complete without a warming treat! Attendees can look forward to enjoying refreshments available throughout the afternoon, perfect for a mid-shopping break.

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Detail	Information
Event	Gretton's Christmas Fayre
Date	Sunday, 30 November 2025
Time	12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Venue	Gretton Village Hall, Kirby Road, Gretton
Price	Free Entry
Organiser	Hannah Maguire

The Gretton Village Hall, located on Kirby Road, provides a central and welcoming venue for this much-anticipated annual event.

Don't miss out on this wonderful community event to soak up the festive spirit, find some beautiful gifts, and help support Gretton's local groups and organisations.