Rutland County Council rated on social care, economy, roads, recycling and transport in annual report

A county has been ranked top for social care and start-ups but needs to do more on homelessness and affordable housing, according to yearly findings.

Rutland County Council’s Annual Progress Report, from April 2023 to March 2024, grades its performance against more than 130 local and national targets, as well as priorities in its own corporate strategy.

Overall, it met or exceeded 70 per cent of the performance measures for which data is available.

“This is an incredibly positive report which shows just how much progress has been made over the past year, despite significant challenges,” said council leader Gale Waller.

“It’s also a fair report, which gives an honest appraisal of where we want and need to target further improvement.”

The report said Rutland was top nationally for quality-of-life scores in social care, and for the number of new businesses still trading after five years.

It was also in the top one per cent nationally for the level of those aged 16 to 18 in education training and employment.

And an Ofsted inspection of services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) gave the council the highest outcome.

But the number of affordable homes being built in the County remained below assessed housing need, while there was still a shortfall between the average full-time wages earned by Rutland residents and the average wage of jobs inside the county.

The council also needs to lower the number of people living in temporary accommodation due to homelessness.

Staff turnover and vacancy levels at the council also exceeded ‘desired levels’, affecting the council’s ability to complete care assessments on time.

Rutland was second nationally for the level of waste it recycles or composts, but was ranked 84th out of 148 authorities for total residual household waste.

Other report findings -

* 11 per cent reduction in fly tipping from the previous year

* 78 per cent of A, B and C roads in Rutland are in good condition

* 78 per cent of street inspections scored A or B grades for litter.

* 93% of adult care service users say services made them feel safe and secure

* 93% of families receiving Early Help support needed no additional referral within a year

Coun Waller said the council’s new economic strategy gave more support to local business and aimed to increase outside investment, while investment had been made in waste vehicles and library buildings.

She also said the new Local Plan was close to being submitted, almost three years after the last draft plan was rejected by the council.

“On the whole, I hope residents will be pleased with the direction we’re heading in,” added Coun Waller.

“We’ve had some tough decisions to make since taking office in May 2023, but have also been busy laying a firm foundation for long-term success and sustainability – one that will improve life for people in Rutland.”

She also pledged progress on food waste collections, more electric vehicle charging points, a ‘shake-up’ of bus services and further expansion in green and active travel.

The full progress report for 2023/24 can be found at: www.rutland.gov.uk/corporatestrategy