Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has welcomed the news that the Government has announced extra funds for local councils, including £2million for Somerset County Council, after fierce lobbying in Westminster.
Two weeks ago, Somerset’s five MPs – Marcus Fysh, James Heappey, Rebecca Pow, Ian Liddell-Grainger and Rishi Sunak – 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.
The letter also set out the challenging financial situation the Council is currently in.
In a further meeting last week, the county’s MPs expressed further concern to Local Government Minister Rishi Sunak.
As a result, the Government announced on Tuesday that Somerset will receive an additional £2million for adult social care and other vital local services.
Burnham-On-Sea 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.”
Pictured: Somerset MPs Marcus Fysh, James Heappey, Rebecca Pow and Rishi Sunak
