This month brings to an end all the general election political campaigning of the last 6 weeks with the results determining which party will lead the next UK government.  If you are reading this before 4th July, do vote- (even though you may be fed up with all politicians!)- this forms the basis of our democracy- and remember to take your photo id to the polling station.
It is clear that Local Government across the country is in crisis with councils including Birmingham and Nottingham, effectively declaring themselves bankrupt. Whichever Government is elected on 4th July, they will need to tackle this funding crisis with some fundamental reforms, and also address the fairer funding of councils, which leaves Rutland relying on council tax for 77% of its core funding compared to 56% for other councils nationally.

I have been very disappointed that, over the last year, Rutland County council meetings have become increasingly  and unnecessarily politicised. This should not be the case in Local Government.  We are a very small county and operate with just 27 elected councillors. (11 liberal democrat councillors, 7 independents, 6 conservatives, 2 labour and 1 green).

In serving our residents, as councillors we are called on to make tough and often unpopular decisions in the prioritisation of Council spending. Rutland residents deserve better that the entirely unsatisfactory Council meetings on 25th March and 18th April, when funding of leisure provision at Catmose was pitched against funding to mitigate the effects of climate change and flooding.

This is why I have always advocated that we can serve our residents better if we work collaboratively and without the restraints of national party political affiliations, and as your local independent councillor, I will continue to work in this way on your behalf.

Rosemary Powell
County Councillor
Whissendine Ward
01664 474257
rpowell@rutland.gov.uk

Cllr Rosemary Powell|Independent Member for Whissendine Ward
Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6HP
t: 01664 474257 | e: rpowell@rutland.gov.uk
www.rutland.gov.uk