Rutland County Council Details Response to Storm Claudia Flooding and Disruption

Rutland County Council Details Response to Storm Claudia Flooding and Disruption

Rutland County Council Details Response to Storm Claudia Flooding and Disruption

Rutland County Council has released details of its extensive response to Storm Claudia, which battered large parts of the UK on Friday, November 14th, bringing widespread flooding and significant disruption across the region.

The Met Office had issued an Amber Weather Warning for Storm Claudia, predicting a substantial volume of rainfall across the East Midlands between 40mm and 60mm, with isolated spots potentially reaching 80mm. The intense rainfall was exacerbated by strong winds that swept through the county late on Friday afternoon and into the evening.

Rutland County Council's Highways and Resilience officers, supported by crews from the main highways contractor, Thomas Bow, were mobilised to address multiple incidents:

Fallen Trees: Strong winds brought down several trees, necessitating road closures near Ashwell and Cottesmore.

Road Closures: Surface water flooding led to closures on Stamford Road (A6121) through Tinwell and Main Street in Seaton. Single-lane closures were also put in place on Station Road and Catmos Street in Oakham.

The Environment Agency issued Flood Alerts meaning flooding is possible for the River Wreake catchment area (including Langham and Whissendine Brooks) and the Welland River near Tinwell.

Council teams responded proactively to monitor the situation, they addressed reports of water out of bank along Whissendine Brook. River levels were closely monitored in Langham.

Levels began to recede by Saturday morning, and the Council confirmed that all roads in Rutland were reopened by midday on Saturday.

Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities, praised the swift and effective response:

"This was the strongest storm that we’ve experienced in recent months and led to a number of flooding reports and incidents around the county. I’m extremely grateful to all those who helped to manage the local impact of Storm Claudia. There was no major disruption caused to services and no reports of property flooding."

Councillor Wise noted the effectiveness of their preparations, stating they "closely monitored areas of the county that have been badly affected during previous storms" which enabled them to keep "the vast majority of our road network open and moving freely."

Looking ahead, Councillor Wise urged residents to prepare for further severe weather as winter progresses:

"It’s reasonable to expect more storms and severe wet weather as we head further into winter. I’d encourage everyone to check the flood risk where they live and take precautionary measures to protect your home or business."

She also specifically addressed riparian owners those responsible for watercourses near their property to check that they are well-maintained and clear of debris once water levels have returned to normal and it is safe to do so.

Need to Know: Stay Alert

The Council encourages all residents to visit their 'Flooding' pages for comprehensive information on actions to take before, during, and after a flood event. This includes guidance on how to sign up for automatic weather alerts and official flood warnings.

https://www.rutland.gov.uk/environment/floods-water

Alicia Kearns MP Says "There’s Something Very Wrong, and Deeply Undemocratic, at Rutland County Council" Over Local Government Reform Vote, includes editor and Oakham Town Councillor Comment.

Alicia Kearns MP Says "There’s Something Very Wrong, and Deeply Undemocratic, at Rutland County Council" Over Local Government Reform Vote, includes editor and Oakham Town Councillor Comment.

Alicia Kearns MP Says "There’s Something Very Wrong, and Deeply Undemocratic, at Rutland County Council" Over Local Government Reform Vote

Alicia Kearns Election Hustings 

St George's Church Stamford 

Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns has voiced serious concerns regarding the handling of Local Government Reform discussions within Rutland County Council (RCC), citing a lack of formal voting mechanisms for all councillors and an apparent suppression of debate on the critical issue.

In a recent social media post, the MP highlighted a stark contrast between RCC's approach and that of neighbouring councils, suggesting that democratic processes are being undermined in Rutland.

According to Alicia Kearns, the administration at Rutland County Council prevented all councillors from holding a formal and recorded vote on the proposed Local Government Reform. Furthermore, she states that Conservative councillors were unable to "lay a motion, amendment or recommendation to express our shared position formally."

The MP also criticised the council's leadership, stating, "The Council leader and her cabinet also chose not to develop and put forward their own preferred model." This lack of a formal proposal from the leadership is seen as a failure to engage constructively with the reform process, which will significantly impact the county's governance structure.

Alicia Kearns drew a direct comparison with how two neighbouring authorities managed the process:

Lincolnshire County Council and South Kesteven District Council both engaged in a full debate on Local Government Reorganisation.

The full council in both authorities voted on a formal recommendation to its executive.

Crucially, each council member’s vote was recorded in the minutes, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Both councils also put forward their own proposal for the reform structure.

The disparity in practice has led Alicia Kearns to conclude that Rutland County Council is operating in a way that is "deeply undemocratic." The ability for elected representatives to formally debate, amend, and vote on major constitutional changes is fundamental to local democracy. By allegedly restricting these actions, the council is accused of stifling the voices of elected members and, by extension, the residents they represent.

The MP’s intervention signals that the procedures adopted by RCC's leadership are under intense scrutiny and that the transparency and accountability of the council's decision-making on the future of local governance are being seriously questioned.

Editor's Comment and Oakham Town Councillor Martin Brookes.

The Democratic Cost of 'Efficiency' in Local Government Reform

The debate surrounding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and specifically the push toward larger unitary authorities, has reached a critical point. While proponents tout the potential for efficiency and financial savings the classic 'economies of scale' argument we must weigh these bureaucratic gains against the fundamental principles of local democracy. The concerns raised by local representatives,  suggest we are trading proximity and accountability for centralised control, a cost Rutland, and the nation, cannot afford.

The core of the democratic deficit lies in the dilution of representation. Merging smaller councils into mega-authorities inevitably leads to a significant reduction in the number of elected councillors. These remaining few must then represent increasingly vast geographical areas and far larger populations.

In this scenario, the councillor becomes physically and politically remote. When a representative is expected to cover a ward containing multiple distinct towns, villages, and communities each with unique needs and identities the essential local link is compromised. It becomes harder for residents to engage, know who to hold accountable, and feel that their voice is truly heard by a decision-maker who understands their street, not just their region.

It is argued that some democratic threats like centralising services from a two-tier structure may not apply directly to Rutland County Council as it is already a single-tier unitary authority. However, this is precisely where the danger intensifies. If LGR forces Rutland to merge with a much larger neighbour, the established civic identity of Britain’s smallest county could be swallowed entirely, becoming a mere administrative outpost.

Moreover, the existing concern in Rutland about low public trust and reduced participation due to a perceived distance between the council and its residents risks becoming exponentially worse. When decisions are made by officials in a distant administrative centre, the feeling that "they don't understand our locality" deepens, further reducing the willingness of residents to engage.

The despair felt by some is a clear warning that the government is focusing reform at the wrong end of the democratic spectrum. While the top tier is streamlined for 'efficiency,' the lowest tier the town and parish councils remains deeply flawed.

These councils are the closest form of local government to the people, yet many "fail their residents" by possessing "little or no powers" to effect meaningful change. Residents frequently feel they "cost a fortune for very little in return." This disconnect is a primary reason for disillusionment. Until the government focuses on reforming and empowering this lowest tier granting genuine powers and clarity of purpose any reorganisation at the top will be built on a weak, unengaged foundation.

LGR, particularly when viewed as a top-down imposition from Whitehall, undermines the very spirit of local self-governance. It substitutes local autonomy for central bureaucracy. We must resist the idea that 'bigger is better' when it comes at the expense of accountability, identity, and the essential democratic link between the council and the people it serves. The focus must shift from saving money to strengthening the democratic muscle at the grassroots.

Oakham Christmas Lights Switch On Event 2025 the countdown and the town criers first public appearance, Photos and Video

Oakham Christmas Lights Switch On Event 2025 the countdown and the town criers first public appearance, Photos and Video

Oakham Christmas Lights Switch On Event 2025.

The lights were switched on by Archer who won the Town Council drawing competition.

Today saw the first announcements from new Town Crier.

The event was well attended and enjoyed by many.

MP Alicia Kearns Tables Amendment to Safeguard Rutland's Ceremonial County Status

MP Alicia Kearns Tables Amendment to Safeguard Rutland's Ceremonial County Status

In a decisive move to protect Rutland's unique identity amid looming government reforms, Alicia Kearns MP for Rutland and Stamford has tabled a critical amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The amendment seeks to ensure the continuation of Rutland's Ceremonial County status, regardless of the outcome of proposed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) which could see the county lose its independent council.

The action comes in response to growing concerns among Rutlanders that the proposed reorganisation, supported by the leadership of Rutland Council, would strip the county of its identity alongside its administrative independence.

In a letter dated November 19, 2025, to Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Alicia Kearns highlighted the urgency of the situation. She noted that while the Government has provided "vague commitments" to act if necessary, they have yet to offer a concrete legislative guarantee.

"The Government keeps giving us vague commitments that they’ll act if they need to. I’m giving them an immediate way to end our concerns and protect our identity as Rutland by adopting my amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill," stated Alicia Kearns.

Legislative Solution: Amending the Lieutenancies Act 1997

The core of the issue lies in how Rutland currently holds its Ceremonial County status. Unlike most counties, Rutland's status is derived from its 1997 unitary re-establishment, not a direct reference in the Lieutenancies Act 1997. The LGR poses a threat because it could be argued that the abolition of the unitary authority dissolves the basis for the ceremonial status.

To fix this, Ms. Kearns has tabled a simple Clause to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill that would amend the Lieutenancies Act 1997 to directly reference Rutland as a County with a Lord Lieutenant.

"If passed, this Clause would ensure the continuation of Rutland's Ceremonial County status regardless of the outcome of Local Government Reorganisation," the letter explains.

Protecting Heritage and Resolving Concerns

The MP's letter acknowledges the Minister's recognition of Rutland's "long and proud heritage" and the strength of local feeling on the matter. Ms. Kearns is now urging the Government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting local identities by backing her amendment, formally known as NC47, at the Bill's Report Stage.

"It would also give Rutlanders reassurance that the Government is determined to protect local identities and resolve one of the pressing concerns regarding Local Government Re-organisation," she wrote.

By seizing this legislative opportunity now, Alicia Kearns argues there is "no benefit or reason to delay" in resolving an issue that has been a major source of anxiety for the local community as the prospect of administrative change draws nearer.