Alicia Kearns MP held a public meeting to discuss the future of Rutland following Government proposals within the English Devolution White Paper to abolish district councils like Rutland County Council.
Under the proposals the Government is proposing to abolish two-tier authorities and small unitary councils to create larger unitary county councils with a minimum of 500,000 people.
Over 120 Rutland residents attended the public meeting at the Victoria Hall in Oakham, where Alicia set out what the Government is proposing, the timeline for proposals, benefits and concerns, and the next steps for the future of Rutland.
Alicia also raised concerns over her recent Written Parliamentary Question to the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in which the Government’s response failed to confirm Rutland’s borders or status as a ceremonial county would be left unaffected.
The meeting concluded with questions from the audience as Rutlanders shared their thoughts about the future of the county and what local council they would prefer.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
“Rutlanders are rightly shocked that we may find ourselves fighting for our independence again with no local say.
“This public meeting was an important opportunity for me to share all I understand currently about what the Government is proposing as we will be so severely affected.
“It was interesting to hear such a wide range of views from members of our communities about what local council they would prefer to live under, and I will be taking away this feedback as I fight for what is best for the future of our wonderful county.”
A straw poll at the end showed under half wanted to fight to protect the status quo having Rutland County Council, however when those who didn’t vote for it were asked if it was because they thought we couldn’t win the fight and Government had made the decision, almost all raised their hand.
The room was unanimous that the ceremonial status of Rutland should continue.
The room was almost unanimous that two unitaries for Leicestershire, not one large donut, was the preferred model.
