The Government has today (Tuesday) announced extra funds for local councils, including £2million for Somerset County Council, after fierce lobbying by the county’s MPs in Westminster.
Two weeks ago the county’s five MPs joined County Council leader David Fothergill in writing to the Prime Minister to express their disappointment that the county was not included in the latest trial for the retention of business rates.
As well as this, it also set out the challenging financial situation the Council faces.
In a further meeting last week, the county’s MPs expressed further concern to Local Government Minister Rishi Sunak.
As a result, the Government has today announced Somerset will receive an additional £2million for adult social care and other vital local services.
Wells MP James Heappey said: “I am delighted that the Government has listened to our concerns and that more money has been made available to fund local services in Somerset.
“This battle with the Government has become an annual fixture and it is pleasing that the Government has been able to react.
“I very much look forward, however, to the retention of business rates being extended to our county and local government finances then being in our own hands.”
To read the full written statement, follow this link: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2018-02-06/HCWS451/