Cllr Gale Waller Leader of Rutland County Council New Year Message to Rutland Residents

Dear Residents of Rutland,

As we welcome 2025, I find it hard to believe we are already a quarter of the way through the 21st century, with vivid memories of the millennium still guiding our perspectives. This time of year prompts reflection, and I believe it is essential to look back at the past year for Rutland County Council (RCC), beginning with one of the most pressing topics: our budget. When I took over the reins of Council leadership in May 2023, I committed myself to restoring balance to RCC's finances. This task was particularly daunting, considering that the Council had been relying on its reserves to manage the budget—a practice that is unsustainable in the long term. A transformation program had already been initiated to reduce expenditures and maximize productivity, yet there were no guarantees that it would yield the desired results. Throughout the past year, we faced the tremendously difficult decision to not proceed with awarding a contract for the operation of Catmose Sports Centre. Choosing this route was not taken lightly. Allowing a contractor to take over would have meant that they would collect fees from users while charging RCC roughly £1 million over the lifespan of the contract. Additionally, we would have been liable for any unexpected costs, such as sudden increases in energy prices or staffing costs due to heightened national insurance contributions. Despite mass protests from the local community regarding the closure of Catmose Sports Centre, we ultimately could not justify the financial strain it would impose on our budget. Our income is predominantly derived from Council Tax, complemented by a small percentage—approximately 20%—from government grants. At the time we made the decision about the sports centre, we had uncertainty regarding future government grant allocations, which is a continued concern. The recent decision to abolish the Rural Services Delivery Grant next financial year will result in a further 10% reduction in RCC's national funding, forcing us to implement even tighter spending measures. Yet, amidst these challenges, there have been noteworthy developments. RCC has successfully secured Levelling Up funding from the previous government, primarily aimed at capital projects rather than day-to-day operational expenses. This funding has been instrumental in transforming our public transport system, allowing us to procure electric vehicles. This investment will lead to a more efficient and cost-effective bus service for our residents. By the end of 2025, we will roll out a new transport model that includes several fixed routes along with an on-demand service, significantly improving accessibility for residents in rural areas who have previously lacked bus services. As we move forward, we must also address the implications of recent changes in government policy. The revised National Planning Policy Framework mandates that RCC must now construct 264 houses each year—a significant rise from our established target of 123. This is a daunting task, especially given previous efforts to engage landowners for potential housing sites. While we received positive responses, even if every suggestion had been accepted, we still would not meet the new demand. I understand that many of you may be curious about sites like St George’s Barracks in Edith Weston and Woolfox, both of which could help fulfill these housing requirements. However, it's essential to acknowledge that these sites come with their unique obstacles. The military continues to occupy St George’s Barracks until 2026, necessitating a thorough decontamination process before any housing can be constructed. Likewise, Woolfox will require resolving access issues with National Highways before housing development can occur. Neither site offers an immediate resolution to our housing goals. Fortunately, there may be a glimmer of hope ahead. We are preparing to submit our Local Plan for inspection this Spring. Once the Independent Inspectorate approves it, we will be able to adhere to our established target of 123 houses per year rather than the newly mandated figure. The inspectorate generally takes approximately a year to evaluate submitted Local Plans; thus, while we aim to meet the larger target in the future, the approval of our current plan will provide us with the requisite time to strategize effectively. Another significant shift we’ve encountered is the government's push for devolution and the proposed restructuring of local authorities towards larger unitary councils. While RCC is already structured as a unitary authority and will not face imminent changes, the government expects new unitary councils to encompass populations of 500,000 or more and so it is inevitable that Government will eventually require RCC to amalgamate with other council areas. In light of this, I have initiated conversations with leaders of neighboring councils. It is imperative that we work collaboratively to influence these changes positively instead of reacting to imposed structures. As we embark on this new year, I assure everyone that the proactive approach we have taken with our budget will continue as we tackle these pressing issues. We will make decisions that prioritise Rutland's best interests, even when those decisions come with discomfort. Wishing you all a prosperous, fulfilling, and healthy New Year. May this coming year bring you joy and strength, fostering community spirit throughout Rutland. Warm regards, Cllr Gale Waller Leader of Rutland County Council