Oakham & Barleythorpe Lib Dem Survey Local Electioneering or Genuine Consultation?

Oakham & Barleythorpe Lib Dem Survey Local Electioneering or Genuine Consultation?

By Local Political Correspondent

Residents across Oakham and Barleythorpe have begun receiving a "Local Survey 2026" through their doors this week, distributed by Liberal Democrat councillors for Oakham South and North East. The survey, fronted by Councillors Mark Chatfield, Linda Chatfield, Paul Browne, Ray Payne, and Diane Ellison, seeks resident feedback on local issues while positioning the current administration as a "new" force for progress in Rutland.

The leaflet repeatedly refers to the "new" Liberal Democrat council. However, political observers have noted that this administration was elected in May 2023 nearly three years ago leading some to question at what point a government ceases to be "new" and starts being accountable for the current state of affairs.

Furthermore, the survey takes credit for recent investments in buses, libraries, and road repairs. While the local Lib Dem team claims these are results of their leadership, much of the heavy lifting for these projects has been facilitated by specific Central Government funding streams. These include the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) grants and various "Levelling Up" allocations, rather than being solely the product of council-generated revenue or local policy shifts.

While the survey boasts of capping council tax at a 2% increase the "smallest in years" this populist move may be masking a deepening fiscal crisis. Next week, the Council Cabinet is set to meet to discuss a looming financial emergency. Critics argue that by keeping tax increases low during a period of high inflation, the administration may have left the county’s finances precariously thin.

The strategy of suppressing council tax demands ahead of an election cycle is a familiar one in Rutland; the Conservatives were frequently criticised for similar maneuvers during their previous tenure.

Despite the political framing, the councillors insist that listening to local people is their top priority. They are urging all residents to share their thoughts on how to "best stand up for your family and the community."

If you have not received a physical copy of the survey, you can view and complete it online at:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/0BZ0WT/

Editor’s Comment:

While community engagement is always welcome, residents would be wise to read between the lines of this latest "Local Survey." Claiming the mantle of a "new" administration three years into a term feels less like a fresh start and more like an attempt to distance themselves from the difficult financial decisions now facing Rutland County Council. With a potential financial crisis on the horizon, Oakham and Barleythorpe deserve a transparent breakdown of where funding truly comes from be it local rates or Westminster grants rather than election-season gloss.

The "Survey" publishes official council email address's.

The use of official public funded council email address's in Liberal Democrat Publications has been raised previously, the monitoring officer and Cllr Gale Waller gave assurances that it would not happen again.

This was because of The Local Government Act 1986. This law prohibits local authorities from publishing any material that appears designed to affect public support for a political party. This includes providing "resources" (like an official email account or IT systems) to help a councillor produce or distribute political material.

Rutland County Council, like all UK councils, has a Member Code of Conduct. This strictly states that councillors must ensure council resources are not used improperly for political purposes.

Council Business vs. Party Politics, A councillor can use their official email for "Council Business" (e.g., helping a constituent with a specific pothole or bin collection issue).

A councillor should not use their official email for "Party Business" (e.g., surveys sent out by a political party, promoting a party’s "achievements," or attacking other parties).

Why it Matters in this Case

The survey  shared contains several elements that move it from "official council business" into "political campaigning":

1. Political Attacks: It explicitly criticises the Conservatives and the Labour government.

2. Party Branding: It is signed by "Your local Liberal Democrat team."

3. Timing: It is titled "Local Survey 2026," suggesting it is part of a multi-year strategy leading toward the next election.

What the Councillors Should Use Instead

To stay within the rules, councillors typically use:

• A personal email address.

• A party-specific email address (e.g., name@rutlandlibdems.org.uk).

• A generic campaign email (e.g., info@rutlandlibdems.org.uk)

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The Art of the Flame, Genevieve Taylor Brings Live-Fire Mastery to Rutland Nursery, 19 May 2026

The Art of the Flame, Genevieve Taylor Brings Live-Fire Mastery to Rutland Nursery

On the 19 May 2026, the courtyard at Rutland Nursery will transform into a sanctuary for culinary enthusiasts and fire-starters alike. This exclusive "golden hour" event welcomes Genevieve Taylor, one of the UK’s most formidable authorities on outdoor cooking, for an evening dedicated to the primal and sophisticated art of the flame. Celebrating her seminal work, How to BBQ  The Definitive Guide to Fire Cooking, the event promises to bridge the gap between simple backyard grilling and professional-grade live-fire expertise.

Genevieve Taylor’s influence on the British food scene is profound. With fourteen books to her name and over two decades of experience, she has become the go-to mentor for those looking to move beyond burnt sausages and embrace flavor-led, technical outdoor cookery. At the heart of the evening is a live demonstration and talk where Genevieve will pull back the curtain on the techniques taught at her renowned Bristol Fire School. Attendees will gain a rare, hands-on look at her philosophy, learning how to manage heat, smoke, and timing to elevate everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals.

The atmosphere is designed to be as enriching as the education. Upon arrival at 6:30pm, guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of wine and a selection of nibbles specifically curated from the recipes within How to BBQ. This social opening sets the stage for the main event at 7:00pm an engaging demonstration followed by a candid Q&A session where no question is too technical or too basic. Whether you are lighting a charcoal chimney for the first time or are a seasoned pitmaster looking to refine your temperature control, the evening offers universal appeal.

Adding a thrill of competition to the night, Rutland Nursery has partnered with YETI for an exclusive giveaway. In a nod to Roald Dahl, three "golden tickets" will be hidden within copies of Genevieve’s book purchased either in advance or during the signing session. The lucky finders will walk away with a YETI Roadie 15 Cool Box in ‘Rescue Red’, a piece of kit as rugged and reliable as the fire-cooking techniques being showcased.

Tickets are available at two tiers: a £25 entry that covers the talk, demo, and refreshments, or a £50 full experience package. The latter ensures you leave with the tools for success: a copy of How to BBQ and a limited edition YETI Rambler 8oz Travel Bottle in ‘King Crab’. As the event concludes around 9:30pm, guests will depart not just with signed books, but with the confidence to master the coals in their own gardens.

Secure your tickets at the Rutland Nursery Booking Portal: https://tickets.rutlandnursery.co.uk/event-tickets/77078?branches.branchID=3751

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Rutland Council to Review Financial Strategy Amid Global Economic Turbulence

Rutland to Review Financial Strategy Amid Global Economic Turbulence

Cllr Christine Wise, Leader of Rutland County Council (Middle)

Rutland County Council has announced an urgent assessment of its financial planning as global economic shocks threaten to destabilise local budgets. The move comes in response to the recent escalation of conflict between the US and Iran, an event that has sent ripples through the international economy and disrupted global trade.

While the Council’s latest annual budget was finalized just before the geopolitical situation intensified, the rapid fallout—including a sharp rise in fuel and energy costs has rendered previous forecasts obsolete. International forecasters, including the IMF, now warn that inflation could spike to between 3.5% and 4%, doubling the 2% rate originally anticipated by the Council.

The Council currently manages a Gross Revenue Budget of £107 million, which funds essential day-to-day services such as social care, waste collection, and public transport. Additionally, its £55 million Capital Programme oversees long-term investments in highway maintenance and community infrastructure.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 14 April, Council Leader Christine Wise warned that the rising cost of goods and materials is already being felt across supply chains, putting these vital funds at risk.

"Recent events on the world stage have the potential to increase the costs that we incur when delivering local services," Leader Wise stated. "It could also inflate our Capital Programme costs to the point where they not only exceed original budgets but also exhaust contingency funds. Unless carefully managed, this could have a knock-on impact on our wider budget position and financial health."

The Council is particularly concerned about construction and building projects that have not yet broken ground. These projects are highly susceptible to the fluctuating prices of raw materials and labor. Leader Wise emphasised that the Council must determine if these projects remain affordable in their current form or if adjustments are required to protect the taxpayer.

"We need to act responsibly and exert maximum control over capital projects where we can manage costs down," she added, noting that unlike capital projects, the Council has little control over external pressures like national pay awards or the rising demand for care services. "We need to take extra care with our budget and keep applying the principles of financial caution and common sense."

The Council’s proactive approach will be detailed in two upcoming reports. A review specifically examining the impact on the Capital Investment Programme is scheduled for the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. This will be followed by a separate assessment in July focusing on the broader Revenue Budget.

Residents and interested parties can track the progress of these financial reviews and view upcoming reports by visiting the Council’s official portal at: www.rutland.gov.uk/meetings.

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Rutland’s Green Revolution, 90 Tonnes of Food Waste Diverted in Just Two Weeks

Rutland’s Green Revolution, 90 Tonnes of Food Waste Diverted in Just Two Weeks

The residents of Rutland have proven that small changes at the kitchen sink can lead to massive results for the planet. Following the launch of a new dedicated food waste service, Rutland County Council has successfully diverted nearly 90 tonnes of leftover and unused food from the incinerator in only fourteen days.

The service officially commenced on Monday, 30 March 2026, and the response was immediate. Waste crews gathered an impressive 9 tonnes on the very first day of operation. By the end of the second week, the total volume reached 89.92 tonnes a figure that represents the approximate weight of seven double-decker buses. This surge in participation highlights a significant community appetite for more sustainable waste management practices.

Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, praised the community’s efforts, noting that the sheer volume collected proves the service was both necessary and timely. He emphasised that this waste is now being used to produce green energy rather than being wasted in an incinerator. Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, Hemsley noted that the visibility of the waste might serve as a wake-up call for households, helping residents realise exactly how much food they throw away and encouraging them to cut down on waste at the source.

The shift is as much about fiscal responsibility as it is about environmental stewardship. Food waste is notoriously heavy and contains a high water content, which makes it exceptionally expensive to transport and burn as general household waste. By removing these organics from standard black bins and transitioning to smaller 140-litre wheelie bins, the Council forecasts a reduction in disposal costs of approximately £253,000 per year. These savings are vital for ensuring the Council remains financially sustainable while simultaneously reducing harmful emissions associated with incineration.

To maintain this momentum, the Council is reminding residents to use only compostable or biodegradable bags within their caddies to avoid contaminating the waste stream. Officials are also using this success to push for a broader commitment to recycling, encouraging the community to be equally diligent with paper, glass, plastic, and cardboard.

As Rutland settles into this new routine, the early data suggests a landmark success. By transforming "rubbish" into a resource for renewable energy, the county is taking a definitive step toward a greener, more cost-effective future. For those looking for more details on how to optimise their recycling habits, the Council provides comprehensive guides and information at www.rutland.gov.uk/recycling.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/