Paul Ainsley, Oakham Town Councillor, shares his thoughts on devolution and raises important questions for the public to consider regarding local government reorganisation. 

Speaking to Oakham Nub News, Paul Ainsley said: "Rutland needs protecting – it is an important structure that needs protecting." 

He is clear in his point of view that Rutland as a Ceremonial County needs to be maintained. The Rutland name brings in key tourism and is a vital part of many residents' identity. 

However, Ainsley recognises that there must be nuance in the discussion of local government reorganisation. He said: "Rutland is in a vulnerable position as a small, unitary authority but budgets are tight, and everything needs to be in balance. 

MP for Rutland and Stamford Alicia Kearns held a meeting this week to gauge public opinion on devolution (Photo: Grace Kennington)

"I hope there would be a financial advantage to merging," he said, pointing out that Rutland has, as of the 2024/2025 tax year, the most expensive council tax. As a small unitary authority, explained Ainsley, the budget is always tight, and Rutlanders feel constantly underfunded by the government. 

It is important to note, according to Ainsley, that there are some services that Rutland delivers, such as Adult Social Care, which are exemplar. He wonders if Rutland would lose that if the county merged. 

He also raised concerns about what voice Rutland would have if it merged with a larger county. With constant failures in local government though, he said, "should we have one?" 

He drew on some of the major losses Rutland has recently experienced, such as the loss of Catmose Leisure Centre and the ongoing issues with Victoria Hall. He had the feeling that if local people are constantly criticising local government, then would merging be advantageous? 

"Rutland can't afford to go on as it is," he said but continued to raise concerns about whether Rutland would get a fair share of funding if it merged, as well as whether the strongest service that RCC deliver would still stay at the same high quality under new leadership. 

It is important to note that all anyone can do at the moment is hypothesise about what different options the county will have and what that will mean for residents. Due to the lack of information and clarity from the government, MP Alicia Kearns, Rutland County Councillors and Oakham Town Councillors can only operate from the limited information given by the government and Oakham Nub News will continue to provide updates as more information comes in. 

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READ MORE: Rutland MP holds first public meeting to gauge public opinion and discuss local government reorganisation

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