Rutland Council Reveals Engagement Plan for Local Government Reorganisation

Rutland Council Reveals Engagement Plan for Local Government Reorganisation

Rutland County Council has released a detailed engagement plan outlining how it intends to gather public and stakeholder input during the ongoing local government reorganisation process. 

The council's communication service, working in collaboration with a Leicestershire-wide communications group, aims to ensure consistent and effective information sharing throughout the process. The core objectives are to foster widespread understanding of the reorganisation's origins, goals, and impacts, and to facilitate timely and appropriate engagement at each stage.

The engagement plan is structured around three key phases:

1. Interim Plan Development (up to March 21, 2025):

This initial phase, leading up to the submission of the interim plan, focuses on laying the groundwork for broader engagement. Activities include:

Regular communication with elected members.

Dedicated information pages on the council's website and intranet.

Briefings and information sessions for members and staff.

Online surveys and telephone enquiry routes.

Targeted engagement with strategic partners, MPs, and local groups.

Social media outreach and email newsletters.

Information dissemination through local media.

2. Full Proposal Development (up to November 28, 2025):

This phase will see a significant expansion of engagement efforts to inform the final proposals. Activities may include:

Roadshow-style public events.

Direct mailings to households.

Online events and webinars.

Focus groups.

Paid advertising.

Printed materials and information aids.

A dedicated engagement website.

Video guides and animations.

Toolkits for stakeholders to extend engagement reach.

3. Government-Led Consultation (Early 2026):

Following the submission of final proposals, the government will conduct its own consultation. The council's role during this phase is expected to primarily involve signposting and amplifying the national consultation campaign.

The council emphasised its commitment to reaching a wide range of stakeholders, including elected members, staff, parish councils, strategic partners, businesses, and residents. Various communication channels will be utilised, including the council's website, email, social media, local media, and printed materials.

The engagement timeline indicates a limited scope of engagement during the initial phase, followed by a broad and substantive engagement period between March and November 2025. The final phase, led by the government, will see a reduced role for the council.

This detailed engagement plan underscores Rutland County Council's commitment to transparency and public participation throughout the local government reorganisation process.