Rutland County Council Special Meeting on Devolution: A Focus on Heritage and Identity

Rutland County Council Special Meeting on Devolution: A Focus on Heritage and Identity

Cllr Sam Harvey Vice Chairman of Rutland County Council

In a pivotal gathering, the Rutland County Council convened a special meeting to address the matter of devolution and its impact on the county's heritage and identity. The session featured a deputation by local Member of Parliament Alicia Kearns,

Alicia Kearns MP for Rutland and Stamford it is believed

this is the first time a MP has publicly addressed Rutland County Council

This shows the importance of the issue now facing Rutland

Alicia Kearns Said:

The campaign for independence lives on in the memory of our communities. Many are
in disbelief that our self-governance is once again in doubt.
Yes – we all share concerns about our high council tax and the issues of being a
smaller unitary. But these plans won’t solve this problem. Larger councils will not result
in rural equality and fair funding. But they will dilute democracy and see decisions about
us made outside of Rutland. Because the voices of 40,000 are easily lost when
subsumed into Half a million. This is my greatest concern.

We have been put in this position by Government, and now we must determine, as
Rutland, how we wish to respond. This Council is required to put forward proposals and
negotiate in our best interest. This requires consultation. On the Council’s website we
can currently share our views on health care, school travel, nature strategy, housing
association properties, Ryhall Library and the budget. Yet not on the very existence of
the council and the future of our county itself.

This is why I held two public meetings to gauge how we feel about these proposals
Our communities have clear preferences over our future and want a say. Councillors
are not passive participants in this process. I hope the next proposals are genuinely
reflective of what residents want and are best for Rutland. From the start this Council 
should have been making clear that Rutland was neither a failing council, nor one that recognises Reform as necessary. We do what is right for Rutland. Which is to engage in the process, But at all times make clear that we will not willingly give up our independence. A reluctant but engaged partner is more likely to have their red lines listened to. They are a reflection of the public meetings I’ve held and the views of the thousands of residents who have attended, written and spoken to me. If the Leader wants to go into these negotiations best representing our county, then she needs the full council and our county behind her. That means all councillors must have a say. I have pushed hard for the government to undertake consultation. Their answer was sadly clear – it is for “councils to decide how best to engage locally.” I’m relieved the Council has now recognised that public consultation is necessary. Can we secure Rutland an opt out of re-organisation? There simply is not unanimous agreement and certainly not that we should be fast-tracked. I’ve made my opposition clear, informed by the views I heard at the public meetings. I have opposed one single unitary for Leicestershire, suspension of elections. And I’ve opposed the extension of Leicester City. I’ve written to ministers, ensured residents are aware and requested meetings.

The Leader’s views are set out in that 10th January letter. We all know the Secretary of
State has the ultimate authority, and will force any decisions she deems necessary,
including if Councils refuse to get on board. But Rutland County Council is the only
actor with agency in this process. I ask on behalf of Rutlanders that you listen to
residents, and make this a truly representative decision for our counts. We are
Rutlanders and should be recognised as such in law and by our King. In negotiations
with Government and other Councils we must be absolute the Government must make
provisions to protect our ceremonial status.
To conclude I wish to summarise the votes at my public meetings.
On the question of fighting for Rutland to remain a unitary authority:
• Two-thirds felt the decision had been pre-determined and so it was not worth
fighting, but if they had their say, the vast majority would remain an independent
unitary

• One-third wanted to fight to save our Rutland Unitary Council
• There was almost unanimous support for two Leicestershire county councils with
Rutland as part of one – and with Rutland in the name – If forced to merge
• Around 5 people wanted one single Leicestershire and Rutland unitary authority,
• Unanimous support for protecting our Ceremonial Status
• Very low support for a mayoralty, be that a LLR Mayor or an East Midlands
Mayor,
• But most residents were clear they wanted to be given a chance to have their say

The next year will determine our collective future.

We need to demonstrate our voice and determination to get what is right for us now.

Cllr Gale Waller Leader of Rutland County Council

Council Leader Gale Waller articulated strong objections to the government's proposed reorganisation of councils, labeling these proposals as "unreasonable." She underscored Rutland's financial stability and its reputation for high-quality service delivery, questioning the necessity for change by stating, "We aren’t broken, so why fix us?" To navigate this situation, Waller outlined two potential approaches: collaborating with Leicestershire County and its neighboring districts to formulate a proposal that aligns with Rutland's interests or adopting a passive stance that may result in external decisions influencing the county's future. To facilitate collaboration, Waller has established a cross-party group that is committed to maintaining Rutland's identity while addressing local government changes.

Cllr Lucy Stephenson a former leader of Rutland County Council (left)

During the meeting, Councillor Stephenson proposed an amendment requiring that all proposals be subject to comprehensive debate by the full council prior to their submission to the government. Furthermore, she emphasised the importance of public engagement events to ensure community involvement in the decision-making process. This amendment prompted a brief suspension of the meeting for in-depth discussion. Upon resumption, the amendment was slightly revised to adhere to the government's timeline.

Councillor Clifton expressed reservations regarding the establishment of an elected mayor or mayoral authority, advocating instead for the preservation of Rutland's ceremonial status in any future governance framework. they cautioned that a merged authority could potentially limit Rutland's representation to as few as three councillors. Councillor Ross highlighted essential expectations from any proposed reorganisation, including the preservation of staffing levels, retention of the name ‘Rutland’ within any newly formed council, and consideration of future boundary adjustments to possibly include Stamford. Councillor Carr conveyed feedback from residents, which varied from a sense of indifference to a strong desire for preservation of the current governance structure.

Former Council Leader Councillor Hemsley encouraged his colleagues to take a proactive stance in discussions surrounding local governance, suggesting that residents consider communicating their views to higher authorities, including the monarchy. He argued that while some changes may be inevitable, it is crucial to safeguard Rutland's ceremonial identity. The council expressed limited support for the "donut" solution—merging Leicestershire and Rutland into a single unitary authority centered around Leicester city. The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution that any proposals emerging from the local government reorganisation process will undergo thorough debate in the full council prior to being presented to the government.

The Chairman of the council remarked, "This is a watershed moment for Rutland," emphasising the significance of this discussion in shaping the county's future.

As the council navigates these critical issues, the determination to engage the community and uphold the values of Rutland remains a central commitment in their deliberations.