Additional measures worth £600 million have been secured for rural councils across England following MP Chris Loder’s high-profile campaign. The MP for West Dorset led the charge for fairness and reform when it comes to the allocation and calculation of local government funding. The new funding package includes £500 million of new funding for councils – including Dorset Council - with responsibility for adults and children’s social care, which will be distributed through the Social Care Grant.
The local MP said: “I have pushed ahead with my campaign since my speech in late November for funding fairness for local authorities. On the 12th January, I signed an open letter to the Prime Minister and Levelling Up Secretary requesting additional funding for local authorities in rural areas. And last week, record investment was announced.”
He added: “In addition, the Government will be providing an additional £15 million for the Rural Services Delivery Grant – which represents an increase of over 15% and is the largest increase since 2018-19. I’m pleased to have been directly involved in securing and ensuring the voices of West Dorset’s constituents are heard in Westminster.”
