Rutland County Council Clarifies Position on Devolution
Rutland County Council has issued a statement to clarify its stance on devolution and local government reorganisation amid ongoing discussions with regional partners. As local authorities await further guidance from the government following the release of national proposals in December, the council emphasises the importance of proactive and constructive engagement in shaping future local governance.
In their recent communication, the council acknowledged the complexity of the devolution talks currently taking place with key stakeholders, including Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, and the district councils within Leicestershire. While discussions are progressing, it is essential to note that no decisions have been made regarding the proposed changes.
Councillor Gale Waller, Leader of Rutland County Council, articulated the council's position on the matter, stating, “We believe it’s important that equal weight and consideration be given to all options, as we consider things like boundaries. It’s also important that clear evidence is weighed up around the benefits of these options, before adopting any new arrangements.”
Waller further highlighted the potential benefits of reorganising local government, emphasising the need for councils to be efficient and sustainable. However, she cautioned against overlooking the relationship between geographical boundaries and the everyday lives of residents. “Councils work best when their boundaries reflect the way people live their lives, where they go to work, learn, shop, spend their leisure time, and get healthcare,” she said, underscoring the necessity of aligning governance structures with community dynamics.
As Rutland County Council awaits further communications from the government, it looks forward to receiving clarity on the criteria they deem necessary for establishing sustainable unitary structures and what timelines will govern proposal submissions. It is pertinent to note that local authorities have until January 10 to submit requests for postponing their local elections. However, this does not apply to Rutland, which is not due to hold full council elections until 2027.
The council remains committed to ensuring that any decisions made around devolution will prioritise the best interests of Rutland residents, maintaining an open line of communication throughout the process. As discussions continue, the council is focused on gathering evidence and engaging with the community to assess the impact and feasibility of any proposed changes to local government structures.
