The Rutland Round-Up, The Weekly Digest: Friday, March 27, 2026, Political Shake-up, Council Tax, Waste Revolution, Police Appeal and Maya Returns

The Rutland Round-Up The Weekly Digest: Friday, March 27, 2026

It has been a landmark week for the nation’s smallest county. From a dramatic shift in local leadership to a long-awaited overhaul of our waste systems, Rutland is entering the spring season with a fresh face and a new sense of direction.

Political Shake-up New Leader at the Helm

The most significant news of the week came from Catmose, where Councillor Christine Wise (Liberal Democrat) was officially elected as the new Leader of Rutland County Council. The vote took place on Thursday evening, following the resignation of Councillor Gale Waller.

Coun. Waller, who led the council for three years, stepped down noting that she does not intend to stand in the 2027 elections. Those elections will be a pivotal moment for the county as it prepares to navigate the government's proposed local government reorganisation. Read More

In her first address, Coun. Wise, a former maths teacher and Uppingham resident, promised a leadership style that "listens and shares," acknowledging that the next two years will be "local government but not as we know it."

Conservative leader Lucy Stephenson expressed concerns, voting against the new "coalition administration" of Lib Dems and Independents, calling for "robust and experienced leadership" during these financially precarious times. Read More

Council Tax Rutland Drops Down the Rankings

In a rare piece of positive financial news, Rutland has shed its long-held title as the highest-charging authority in England.

According to official government data released this week for the 2026/27 period, Rutland has dropped to 8th place nationally. While still above the national average, the council’s decision to freeze general Council Tax—applying only a 2% precept for Adult Social Care—contrasts with the 5% increases seen in most other English authorities. Residents will see a modest monthly increase of roughly £3.70 for a Band D property. Read More

Waste Revolution Food Caddies Arrive

Residents across Oakham, Uppingham, and the villages are bracing for a change in their morning routines. Weekly food waste collections are set to begin this coming Monday.

Most households should now have their new 140-litre smaller black bins and food waste caddies.

The shift is expected to save the council over £250,000 per year in waste processing costs.

If your caddy hasn't arrived, the council advises reporting it via the "MyAccount" section of their website immediately.

https://www.rutland.gov.uk/council-councillors/myaccount

Police Appeal Serious Collision in Oakham

The local community has been left shaken following a serious road traffic collision on Oakham High Street on Wednesday afternoon.

At approximately 1:55 PM, a woman in her sixties was involved in a collision with a white Ford Transit van near the junction with Church Street. The pedestrian remains in hospital in a serious condition. Leicestershire Police are urgently appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward quoting incident 26*172049. Read More

Nature & Community Maya Returns

On a lighter note, spring has officially arrived at Rutland Water. Maya, the county’s most famous and successful breeding osprey, has been spotted returning to her nest. Her arrival marks the beginning of the 30th-anniversary celebrations for the Rutland Osprey Project. Read More

Dates for Your Diary

March 27: The Good & New Clothes Sale at Rutland Hall Hotel ( This Evening).

March 28: Handel’s Messiah by the Rutland Choral Society.

April 12: The Rutland Spring Half Marathon

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: 

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/