MP wins more money for homes in South Lakeland

Yesterday, South Lakeland MP, Tim Farron, met with Communities and Local Government Minister Andrew Stunell to discuss the future of South Lakeland District Council amid the cuts to local government budgets.

The meeting was also attended by Brendan Jameson, Laurence Conway and Colin Hodgson (Leader, Chief Executive and Leader of the Opposition of SLDC respectively), all of whom were looking to ensure that the vital services provided by the council would not be adversely affected by the cuts.

Several key wins came out of the meeting for Tim and the councillors including:
- Extra funding for housing;
- Assurances that the Second Homes Council Tax Subsidy is going under a full review;
- Progress on proposals to cut or even abolish business rates, which affect areas such as, market places and public toilets; and
- A new homes bonus, which will give councils a grant of 6 years worth of council tax upfront for each new home built.

Commenting after the meeting Tim said: "I am elated by the outcome of our meeting with Andrew Stunell and that we have been able to secure future funding for South Lakeland District Council on such key areas.

"The New Homes Bonus will help with the long and expensive process of building new affordable housing that is vital in rural areas like the Lake District. I'm also delighted that the Government is now looking into the issue of the ridiculous council tax subsidy for second homes, which is an issue that I have campaigned strongly against."