Rutland and Stamford MP criticises no vote on shake up of councils

The MP for Rutland and Stamford claims 'democracy is being denied' following a special meeting held by Rutland County Council to discuss the shake up of local authorities.

The Government wants all remaining two tier areas to be restructured.

There have been arguments about what the changes might mean for Rutland with the council's preferred option thought to be joining a North Leicestershire local authority.

MP Alicia Kearns says the option of a vote on proposals at this stage was previously agreed by Rutland County Council.

But prior to last nights meeting the council said it cannot legally direct the devolution process in way of a vote unless the Government says otherwise.

I am disappointed the recommendations are for noting only

Interim proposals must be submitted to Government later this month.

Ms Kearns believes they could have legally held a vote.

She said: "“In February a motion was passed requiring a Full Council vote and public consultation before March 21st, yet the Leader of the Council has tonight shamelessly ignored this, denying democracy and preventing Councillors and Rutlanders from having a say on the future of their county."

The motion amendment had been put forward at last month’s special meeting by the leader of the conservative group Coun Lucy Stephenson.

Coun Stephenson says the overturn of the vote is disappointing.

She said: “I am disappointed the recommendations are for noting only.

"Whilst it has been made clear Rutland’s position is solely in the hands of the leader, with the final decision made by the state; Council however made it clear that not only should there be debate at each stage but also a vote. "

"Seeking endorsement does not alter the legislative process but it does demonstrate an unwavering demonstrative and unwavering determination to upheld the fundamental need for democracy at local level.”

Council says it legally cannot direct the process by way of a vote unless the government stipulates otherwise

After weeks of toing and froing and statements and counter statements from the various councils across Leicestershire and Rutland, the current preference in Rutland is for a three councils across the two counties with Rutland falling into North Leicestershire and then another council in the south and one to cover Leicester city.

Leicestershire County Council wants one large unitary council to cover the county and to exclude Rutland.

RCC will put an interim proposal to government on March 21 and then there will be a final decision in November.

Across the country there have been fall outs about the reorganisations and people from across the political spectrum have been critical of the Labour government’s plans.

The Government says the move would cut costs but still retain local democracy.

The council states; "The amended motion passed at the last Special Meeting cannot override the statutory legal position, which is that Executive functions may not be discharged by Full Council (Local Government Act 2000 section 9DA).

Therefore, while Council remains an important forum in which devolution should be discussed and debated, it legally cannot direct the process by way of a vote unless the government stipulates otherwise.”

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