Alicia Kearns MP comments on the Government's new Local Government Finance Policy Statement:
“I am gravely concerned about the impact of the new Government’s diktats on Rutland. I have long worked to bring more fairness to local Government funding and secure recognition that delivering serves in rural areas like ours is more expensive. I’m proud to have brought record additional funding to our communities over the last few years.
"However, Labour’s new Policy Statement fails to acknowledge this, proposing worrying cuts for our rural communities.
“In particular, the abolishment of the Rural Services Delivery Grant (RSDG) will have a significant impact on the running costs of our daily services at a time where Councils are facing financial pressures.
“I am also concerned Rutland will be forced to lose its independence and join a mega-council far beyond just joining Leicestershire and Rutland together. Not only would this take powers away from our communities, but it will deprive Rutlanders of local representation.”
“The Government needs to rethink this redesign and recognise the importance of supporting rural and poor social mobility areas like ours so we receive the support and rural infrastructure investment we deserve.”
(Photo: Rutland County Council)
