Leader of Rutland County Council gives update on Local Government Reorganisation
In a statement released today (9th June 2025) by Rutland County Council, Councillor Gale Waller, Leader of Rutland County Council, has given an update on where the county stands in the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation process.
"The process of local government reorganisation which began in earnest at the start of the year is now moving beyond its first stage. Those of you who've been following closely will know that national government wrote to local authorities in clearly defined areas and asked these groups of councils to bring forward reorganisation proposals. They have called these 'invitation areas' and Rutland's invitation area was Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
"Rutland County Council responded to this Statutory Invitation by working with Leicestershire's district and borough councils to bring forward the 'North, City South' interim proposal. This could see Rutland form part of a new North Leicestershire and Rutland unitary authority, rather than being placed into a single large council for Leicestershire with a population of nearly 700,000 residents.
"Councils in Greater Lincolnshire, including Lincolnshire County Council and two unitary councils to the north, also received a letter inviting reorganisation proposals. Among the current interim proposals for that area is one supported by North and South Kesteven, covering North Kesteven, South Kesteven, South Holland and Rutland.
"Having met the Government's March deadline for producing these various interim proposals, we must now develop full and final proposals by 28 November 2025. The Government has provided written feedback on interim plans. This reminded councils to address the criteria we've been given and make sure final proposals are supported by data, evidence and detailed financial modelling.
"Recognising that Rutland is included in multiple plans that are tied to two separate geographies (Leicestershire and Lincolnshire), we have sought to provide as much information as possible through our website and via local councillors, to help people understand each option: www.rutland.gov.uk/devolution. We will also be meeting with local partners and residents in the coming weeks. We are asking for people's priorities and concerns as these plans are refined – to help inform our discussions with all the other local councils involved.
"Rutland County Council is continuing to work with Leicestershire's district and borough councils to develop the 'North, City, South' plan that was submitted in March. Just as then, we believe this plan is the best option for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland shared area, rather than having one unitary council for Leicester City and an all-encompassing second unitary for the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland. People living in Rutland now have an opportunity to give more feedback on the North, City, South proposal, following the launch of a public engagement exercise that will run until 20 July 2025. Further information, including details of how to share your views on this plan can be found online by visiting: www.northcitysouth.co.uk
"Rutland County Council is continuing to hold discussions and share data with Leicester City, North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland, as they too work towards submitting full and final proposals to the Government in November. We don't yet know when or how they might seek to engage Rutland residents on their proposals, as part of this next stage.
"Ultimately, we can only support one proposal come the November deadline and residents' views are important in shaping these plans and helping to reach a final decision. When looking at the different plans, it's important to consider what type of final proposals the Government is likely to deem acceptable, based on the guidance and criteria they have given to councils. New unitary authorities – whatever their shape or size – must also be financially sustainable, or they will not be able to provide the local services that people rely on. On the issue of Rutland's ceremonial status, Rutland County Council has made it clear that any plan which includes Rutland must keep the County's historic name and identity."
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