The Government is being urged to give rural areas a fairer funding deal.

Rother District Council has joined with 56 other local authorities and the Rural Services Network to argue for a better financial settlement for their communities.

The group says that historically, urban councils receive 36 per cent more per head in Government funding compared to their rural counterparts.

They also say the cost of delivering services in rural areas is higher than in cities and towns – adding further strain on already tight budgets.

The network says rural communities suffer from lower wages and sometimes limited access to services such as health and public transport – but face higher council tax.

Councillor Doug Oliver, Leader of Rother District Council, said: “Our rural areas face a situation that’s blatantly unfair – service delivery costs and council tax are higher, but wages and government funding are lower.   

“That’s why we’re adding our voice to a national campaign to urge the Government to recognise the unique challenges faced by our rural communities and fund us accordingly”.

The councils and Rural Services Network have written to the Rt Hon Jim McMahon MP, Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to urge a fair allocation in the forthcoming Local Government Finance Settlement.

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Published: 19th November 2024