Residents in Rutland are concerned about what potential devolution plans could mean for the county
Changes to local Government are being considered across Leicestershire and Rutland
We're being told that a possible combined authority of Leicestershire County and Rutland under an elected Mayor could improve local services.
Changes to local Government are being considered as part of proposals to bring greater powers under a directly elected Mayor across the area.
Another possibility is changing boundaries in Leicestershire but it's not clear how that proposal would impact Rutland.
I think it would be detrimental
However, residents in Rutland said:
"I prefer to be an independent county."
"I don't see any benefits for the people living here. I think it would be detrimental."
"I'm happy to liaise with neighbouring counties, but I don't want to lose the identity of Rutland."
Mayors have brought along a lot of benefits
It's thought all councils in the region becoming one combined authority could mean higher funding.
Matthew Fright, senior researcher at the Institute for Government, said:
"Mayors have brought along a lot of benefits by synthesising policies at a local level and taking powers from Westminster."
"They've got a lot more skin in the game to change things locally."
"For too long a lot of power has been held in Whitehall, where it just doesn't have visibility of what's happening at a local level."
I don't want to lose the identity of Rutland
Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Stamford, is holding a public meeting to discuss what this could mean for Rutland Council.
The meeting will take place on Monday 27th January 6 - 7.30pm at the Victoria Hall in Oakham.
Discussions are still ongoing between Rutland County Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Leicestershire’s District Councils about how best to enable devolution and shape plans across the areas.
Nothing has been decided yet.
Rayo Premium