Ryhall Library Under Siege: Protests and Questions Dominate Rutland County Council Budget Meeting, 4.99% Council Tax increase. Protest Video, The Vote, Cllr Christine Wise Greatest Hits News Interview Video

Ryhall Library Under Siege: Protests and Questions Dominate Rutland County Council Budget Meeting, 4.99% Council Tax increase.

 

Save Ryhall Library March to Rutland County Council Budget Meeting

Rutland County Council's budget meeting on February 27th, 2025, was overshadowed by passionate protests against the potential closure of Ryhall Library. Residents, armed with banners and pointed questions, filled the council chamber, demanding answers about the library's future.

The proposed closure, currently under public consultation, has ignited fierce opposition in Ryhall. Protesters argued that the council's claims of affordability issues were unfounded, particularly given the healthy state of the council's reserves.   

Several residents directly challenged the council's financial justifications. Sue Cook, Jean Jackman, Charlotte Davis, Andrew Nebel, and Nicola Younger all posed detailed questions regarding the budget allocation for Ryhall Library and other libraries within the county.

 

County Councillor Christine Wise, Greatest Hits News Interview, Ryhall Library Protest.

Key concerns raised included:

Specific Funding for Ryhall: Residents demanded clarity on the capital and revenue funding allocated specifically to Ryhall Library, particularly the £70,000 previously earmarked for the facility.   

Overall Library Funding: Questions focused on the total capital budget for all Rutland libraries and how it was distributed.

Reserve Usage: The council's £3 million General Reserve, exceeding CIPFA guidelines, was scrutinised. Residents asked why a portion of this reserve couldn't be used to fund necessary repairs and keep Ryhall Library open.

Places Directorate Reserves: The substantial reserves held by the Places Directorate, particularly in the upcoming financial year, were also challenged, with residents questioning why these funds couldn't be used to address the library's maintenance backlog.

Cllr Johnson responded that the budget was based on the "current situation" at Ryhall, emphasising that the public consultation ending the following day would inform future decisions. He stated that "if further funding is required, a further council decision will be needed."

The budget presentation also involved some political point scoring. Cllr Johnson compared Rutland's balanced budget to Leicestershire's projected £91 million deficit, highlighting Rutland's fiscal prudence.

Other councillors offered varying perspectives. Cllr Powell expressed concerns about transparency, while acknowledging the impact of the government's removal of the Rural Services Grant. Cllr Wilby urged the council to "look kindly on our library at Ryhall," praising residents for their thorough analysis of the library's costs. Cllr Corby raised concerns about long term financial stability and the potential impact of government policy on rural councils, including the possibility of council reorganisation and the need for possible investment in a waste transfer station. Cllr Clifton was very direct stating "this could be one of our last budgets" and highlighting the council's high reliance on council tax due to low government grants.

Leader Cllr Waller defended the budget, describing it as "cautious" and "sensible." She emphasised the need for investment and transformation to avoid the financial pitfalls experienced by other councils.

 

Rutland County Council 2025 2026 Budget Vote 4 99% increase

Ultimately, the council approved the budget, which includes a 4.99% Council Tax increase (2.99% general Council Tax and 2.0% Adult Social Care precept), with three abstentions from three Conservative councillors and no votes against.

The fate of Ryhall Library, however, remains uncertain. The council's decision will likely depend on the outcome of the public consultation and subsequent deliberations. The strong public outcry indicates that the issue will continue to be a focal point in Rutland's political landscape.