Alicia Kearns MP met with the Minister for Local Government Jim McMahon to set out the legal complexities of Local Council Re-Organisation and why his officials need to recognise Rutland is in a unique position compared to other counties.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
"My discussions with legal experts, ceremonial county experts and reading of the legislation have all confirmed that without a small law change, Rutland’s Ceremonial County status will not be protected under Local Council Re-Organisation.
"That is why I met with the Minister for Local Government to set out the legal complexities of Rutland's position. The Minister was not aware of our unique circumstances, but he was equally passionate about the need to protect local identities. I set out how his department had so far refused to agree to legislative action, and that his officials’ communications were confusing ranging from stating there was no problem, to warm words without any meaningful commitments or promises to take the action needed to save our Ceremonial County status.
"As a result of our meeting the Minister will now commission departmental officials to provide specific advice to him to assess the situation and so that a legislative vehicle can hopefully be identified to protect our Ceremonial County status.
"I’ve written to the the Minister to follow up on our discussions and I will update you when I receive a response."
