Councillor Gale Waller, the Liberal Democrat Leader of Rutland County Council, has returned from the party's recent conference in Bournemouth, Transport and SEND Funding on the Agenda

Rutland's Voice Heard at National Conference: Council Leader Puts Transport and SEND Funding on the Agenda

Councillor Gale Waller, the Liberal Democrat Leader of Rutland County Council, has returned from the party's recent conference in Bournemouth, where she used her platform to vigorously advocate for Rutland's interests, focusing on critical issues of infrastructure investment and local government finance.

Cllr Waller represented the county in a packed schedule that included two high-level, invitation-only round table discussions—one on transport in the East Midlands and another on the challenges facing local government. She also participated in numerous workshops on topics ranging from housing to adult services.

In the transport discussion, attended by industry figures, MPs, and a peer, Cllr Waller raised the alarm over the underinvestment in East Midlands transport, asserting the region has been neglected for years. She highlighted the cancellation of the HS2 eastern leg and the latest postponement of the full electrification of the Midlands Main Line. Waller argued that while the Main Line might seem distant to some in Rutland, its electrification is a crucial link that would deliver an economic boost to the entire region.

A major focus of her intervention was the state of the A1 national highway through Rutland and Lincolnshire. "The A1 is the national highway serving the east of England," she stated, firmly making the point that the section running through the county is "not even a good quality dual carriageway," despite much of the A1 being motorway standard. She labelled this a "national disgrace" and stressed that while National Highways is working to improve safety by closing crossing points, "far more is needed."

The second key meeting saw Cllr Waller discuss local government challenges with Vicky Slade, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for local government. Waller raised Rutland's concerns regarding local government reorganisation and devolution.

A significant portion of the discussion centred on the financial burden of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding. While noting that costs have escalated nationally without a corresponding improvement in outcomes, Cllr Waller highlighted Rutland's success story. The County Council has "recognised national research" indicating that most young people with SEND have better outcomes when educated in mainstream schools with appropriate support.

She proudly reported that the council has been working with local schools and "invested appropriately" to ensure more Rutland SEND children and young people are educated in a mainstream setting. Furthermore, investments have been made in preschools to ensure more young people are "school ready."

Cllr Waller concluded by expressing satisfaction that the council's work is being acknowledged at a national level. She confirmed that the Local Government Association’s Liberal Democrat office has included Rutland in a booklet celebrating council successes, stating it is "always good to get recognition for the work you do."