A local councillor has spoken out about the high Council Tax in Rutland.

Ramsay Ross, Labour Councillor for for Oakham North West, has explained why Council Tax in Rutland is so high, and has joined Rutland County Council in calling for a fair local government finance settlement for Rutland in 2024/25.

Cllr Ross explained: "People know that we have the highest Council Tax in England, but do they understand why Rutland occupies this place of shame. It is not because Rutland County Council is profligate, but because the funding formula used by Government simply favours urban over rural authorities. This means we are paying almost 50% more in our Council Tax than a household in an urban centre; a huge unfairness as we have fewer services and lower wages."

Rutland's Council Tax is ever increasing, with residents of Rutland paying the highest 2023-24 band D council tax in England at £2,422. The lowest 2023-24 band D council tax in England is paid by residents of Westminster at £914.

Council Tax in Rutland was once again raised by the maximum amount in 2023/24.

This was highly criticised by residents, who noted the number of new-build developments going up across the county, versus the lack of facilities such as a local pool or larger medical centre.

Cllr Ross added: "In 2016 Government undertook to establish a fairer funding formula between urban and rural areas. This was supported by rural MPs from all parties. Seven years later, in September 2023, Michael Gove acknowledged that unfairness still exists, but there would be no change for 2024/2025 and no commitment to change beyond that.

"So, after more than 10 years, successive ministers have failed to deliver the Government's promised fair funding formula for rural areas. The present funding shortfall for Rutland is an estimated £1.2m, a sum that would provide much-needed services for residents.

"At a meeting of Rutland County Council on 6 November 2023, a motion was passed by all Councillors, calling for a fair local Government finance settlement for Rutland for 2024/25.

"The motion calls upon Lib Dem Council Leader, Cllr Gale Waller, to write to the Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, as well as the Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Chancellor and the Prime Minister, in an attempt to improve services for Rutland residents."

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