Prime Minister to investigate Rutland's ceremonial status amid county merger plans
Concerns raised over Rutland's future status following local government restructure
The Prime Minister has vowed to investigate concerns surrounding Rutland’s ceremonial status as the county faces merger plans with Leicestershire.
Under the Government's recently unveiled local government reorganisation plans, Rutland risks losing its ceremonial status, as it is set to combine with Leicestershire to form a “mega county” under a single local authority.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, responding to inquiries, committed to examining the issue, noting it was not previously brought to his attention.
“I will commit to looking at that issue. It’s a new one, as it’s not been raised with me before, so I hope you’ll allow me the chance to take a look at it,” Burnham told ITV News.
Burnham added that transitioning councils towards unitary authorities and combined authorities provides better services and greater local power.
Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns, who has consistently criticised the merger plans, welcomed Burnham’s commitment and promised to write to him to press the issue further.
Alicia Kearns said she would “hold him to it,” outlining plans to send a letter to the Prime Minister.
Last Thursday, Rutland County Council held a special meeting where it voted to request the Government to enshrine Rutland’s ceremonial status in law.
The council elected its leader, Christine Wise, to communicate this demand, and also seek clarification on why the Government opted for a two-unitary model, as opposed to alternatives deemed more beneficial for the county.