The Rutland and Stamford MP says she has major concerns for devolution plans
It's as councillors will discuss devolution plans at a special meeting
Last updated 11th Feb 2025
Rutland's and Stamford's MP says she has major concerns about a shake up of local Government which could see Rutland become part of a larger council with Leicestershire.
Some people have concerns over losing their identity if plans go ahead.
At a special meeting tonight councillors are discussing plans for the county.
Rutland County Councillors will be asked to endorse the position that both devolution and local government reorganisation must recognise and promote the needs of Rutland.
Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Stamford said:
People are really worried and they don't want to lose our identity
"This meeting is an important opportunity for councillors to reflect what they've heard from residents."
"I want to see councillors recognising that they have been elected to represent the best interests of Rutland and it's their duty to fight for it."
"The plans so far really worry me. It's not the right thing for us."
"People are really worried and they don't want to lose our identity."
"One red line for me is that we cannot lose our status as a ceremonial county, but secondly, we don't want one big Leicestershire County Council; I want two."
"My concerns continue to be the speed at which this seems to be happening and the lack of transparency from the council."
"This decision should be made by all councillors backed up by a public consultation or referendum by Rutlanders because we deserve to have a say over our future."
We deserve to have a say over our future
The Government has asked councils to provide interim proposals for reorganisation by March 2025, with final proposals to be submitted by Autumn 2025 for areas participating in the Devolution Priority Programme and May 2025 for areas in need of local government reorganisation to unlock devolution.
Councillor Gale Waller, Leader of Rutland County Council, said:
“I have spoken at length about the need to engage constructively and proactively in the process of devolution, as well as local government reorganisation."
"We are having to follow a very prescribed framework, which is spelled out in December’s White Paper."
"Discussions are therefore continuing between Rutland County Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and all Leicestershire District Councils about how best to enable devolution and shape these plans across our areas."
"Nothing has been decided yet but there is no way to opt out of this process and I believe we must have a confirmed position on local government reorganisation before progressing on to devolution."
“Evidence is being gathered to make sure that any new structure makes sense for our area and achieves the Government’s stated aims of delivering high quality and sustainable public services."
"We are all familiar with the concept of economies of scale but biggest does not automatically mean best. It has been proven many times over that councils perform best when their boundaries reflect the way people live their lives.”