Rutland's council tax, the highest in the country, could be reduced in devolution plans
An interim plan for local government reorganisation was submitted last week for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area
The highest council tax in the country could be reduced in local government reorganisation plans.
An interim plan for local government reorganisation was submitted last week for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area.
The North Leicestershire and Rutland proposal could reduce council tax for people in Rutland
Rutland County Council and Leicestershire’s seven district and borough councils submitted plans that they say are 'A bold vision which puts people and places at the heart of future council structures'.
The councils have proposed three equally-sized unitary councils to deliver all council services.
One would serve North Leicestershire and Rutland, and one would serve South Leicestershire. They would work alongside Leicester City Council.
You want to go into a area that doesn't make your situation more difficult but makes it easier
Leader of Rutland County Council, Gale Waller, said:
"It wouldn't be in the interest of Rutland residents to go in to a council where you end up with very little in the way of business rates or where you end up with a lot of deprivation and therefore higher costs on social care."
"You want to go into a area that doesn't make your situation more difficult but makes it easier and that's what this proposal does."
"The way things are looking at the moment, the North Leicestershire and Rutland proposal would actually reduce council tax for people in Rutland."
"A lot could change."
"We were aiming for three authorities a very similar size."
"Depending on negotiations with Leicester City and how the city grows, it could impact the figures, and this is similar with Lincolnshire."
"We have now got to start serious engagement with residents but also with others who have an interest in this area, like police, health authorities and businesses."
I'm not ruling anything in or anything out
However, Rutland is currently included in three different interim plan options.
Another option is in the Greater Lincolnshire area interim plan, which could see the county join with North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland.
As well as this, Leicester City Council plans could expand the city boundaries and include Rutland in a single Leicestershire unitary.
I haven't been as involved with the Kesteven's bid
On the other options for reorganisation the Council Leader said:
"I've said right from the outset that I'm not ruling anything in or anything out, and I will work with anybody and everybody."
"So far the only authorities that have engaged in any meaningful sense have been the Leicestershire districts."
"I haven't been as involved with the Kesteven's bid."
In November councils will have to submit full and final proposals for local government reorganisation.
Rutland County Council say they will be carrying out widespread public engagement around all the options that include Rutland in May.