PRESS RELEASE
Chris Loder demands fairer funding for hardest-hit towns like Lyme Regis
- West Dorset MP Chris Loder demands fairer funding for West Dorset
- Economies of towns like Lyme Regis have been hit the hardest
- Councils need additional support to weather the coronavirus storm
In a major speech in the House of Commons on 9th July, West Dorset’s MP Chris Loder has pressed Government for a fairer share of funding and investment for West Dorset, in particular for coastal towns like Lyme Regis, where economies have been hit the hardest by the coronavirus crisis. He paid tribute to the Mayor, Town Clerk and Councillors and also to Dorset Council, which has distributed thousands of business grants totalling well over £100 million, as well as being hugely supportive to local communities through its coronavirus response.
Chris Loder urged the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure West Dorset’s proactive town councils now receive the financial support they need, saying: “Lyme Regis has a permanent population of just under 3,800 which jumps to 20,000 in a typical summer season. Lyme Regis Town Council provides extensive amenities for holidaymakers, and income from commercial and tourism activity is absolutely vital. The council needs additional support to weather the coronavirus storm, and I very much invite the Minister to consider that”.
The MP concluded that he hoped Government would fully recognise the importance of local government and support Dorset going forward.
Chris Loder’s speech was made during the Estimates Day debate, Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on Thursday 9th July.
Reference: Hansard 9th July 2020 https://bit.ly/38MhLvy
Chris Loder’s speech live in Parliament via YouTube: https://youtu.be/SmsSif_H2b8
