Together4Rutland are encouraging Rutland residents to lobby their Ward Councillor as the Council Cabinet ask Councillors to approve a 4.99% increase in Council Tax.

Rutland County Council is being asked by Cabinet to approve an increase in Council Tax of 4.99%. This is 2% for Adult Social Care and 2.99% for Council Tax.

Together4Rutland have voiced their concern at this increase, adding: "Given the concern expressed by many residents regarding the cost of living crisis and the severe impact it is having on their personal household budgets, we felt it only appropriate to scrutinise the proposed increases very carefully.

"We have worked tirelessly to see where any reductions can be made in the budget and we have identified several items which we feel can be reduced."

The group intend upon publishing further details regarding these 'items' on their website shortly.

They are proposing that the Council varies its approach to support those in need but who are not claiming Local Council Tax Support.

They explained: "We would like the Council to approve an additional £20,000 to support those residents who are currently struggling to meet their Council Tax Payments. Together4Rutland wishes to propose an amendment at that the meeting for the Council Tax Rise to be capped at 3%. 2% for Adult Social Care and 1% for main Council Tax. However, we cannot do this on our own. The fate of Rutland Residents is in your hands – you need to lobby your Ward Councillor to vote for this amendment to be approved at the meeting on Monday night as we need a minimum of 14 members to gain approval for this amendment, ensure that any Council Tax rise is kept as low as possible."

Dean's Street. Image credit: Nub News.

Residents are welcome to attend the meeting at the Rutland Council Chambers, Catmose, Oakham LE15 6HP. Alternatively, residents can listen to the audio of the meeting on Zoom.

Together4Rutland leader, Nick Begy, said: "Back in December, T4R posted that we were concerned of the impact of a 5% increase. With the cost of living crisis it is not just those worse-off suffering, it is many many more, and we pledged to help Rutland people where we can. Let's be straight, there is nothing wrong with the budget put forward, but it is based on assumptions. We have reviewed the numbers and assumptions and made a different conclusion, whereby we feel we could limit the increase to just 3%.

"There is no crystal ball, no right or wrong answer, but you will see from our analysis we have gone in to some detail. It is a tough decision, but at this time as a group we feel we have to understand how residents are feeling. If you feel strongly about this you need to talk to your ward member. We are just a group of 4 from 27, so they need to support this plan for it to have any future."