Belton-in-Rutland Parish Council Update

Belton-in-Rutland Parish Council Update

Belton-in-Rutland Parish Council has released a comprehensive update regarding its operations, financial status, and local projects over the past year. Chair Colin Gordon, in presenting the report, emphasized the Council’s efforts to maintain village infrastructure and ensure administrative stability for the community.

The Council began the year with a significant administrative transition, welcoming Mrs. Helen Duckering as the new Parish Clerk on June 1, 2025. Mrs. Duckering, who succeeds former clerk Sophie Turner, brings over 13 years of experience in parish administration to the role. Alongside this change in personnel, the Council has addressed the village budget, requesting a 5% increase in the precept for the 2026/27 financial year. This increase of £465 marks the first such adjustment in over five years and is intended to support a projected expenditure of just under £11,000, with the remainder covered by reserves.

Considerable attention has been directed toward the village cemetery. Following a thorough review to address potential discrepancies between the Cemetery Register and the physical site, the Council confirmed that the layout is accurate. As part of this process, the Council utilized drone photography to map the site and mark graves that currently lack headstones. Furthermore, the Council has aligned its cemetery fees with those of Uppingham, with a commitment to review this policy should Uppingham’s 2026/27 fee structures change. Maintenance efforts, including the refurbishment of benches and the removal of deteriorated furniture, have also been completed to ensure the site remains well-maintained.

Beyond the cemetery, the Parish Council has been actively involved in several village infrastructure projects. A newly formed Village Hall Committee has taken over efforts to finalise proof of ownership for the village hall, supported by council funds allocated for legal and maintenance purposes. Additionally, the Council directed Community Infrastructure Levy funds toward necessary roof and toilet repairs at the local pre-school. The Council also oversaw the successful management of insurance claims and repairs following significant damage to the village War Memorial during the summer of 2025.

In response to a central government initiative, the Council has begun identifying measures to improve community resilience during emergencies. Simultaneously, the issue of a 20 mph speed limit within the village has resurfaced. Although a 2023 survey did not generate the level of support required by Rutland County Council Highways to move forward, the Parish Council is currently revisiting the topic. As a first step, the village is joining the Community Speedwatch program, with resident Clare Farmer leading the initiative and seeking local volunteers.

Residents who wish to review the full details of these projects or access the Council’s meeting minutes are encouraged to visit the official website https://www.beltoninrutland-pc.gov.uk/  or contact the Clerk at clerk@beltoninrutland-pc.gov.uk.

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