Local MP Tim Farron is lobbying government on behalf of Lakes Parish Council and is calling on the government to remove business rates from parish councils who look after public conveniences. Tim's lobbying comes after Lakes Parish Council met him to discuss their concerns about the current scheme. Currently business rates on the public conveniences in the parish will be £10,500, which is a sixth of their budget. Tim wants the government to agree that parish councils do not have to pay business rates for providing a public service. Tim is now taking up the matter with government ministers.

Tim said: "Business rateable value is normally based on the rentable value of a property but a public convenience is not a business! It is a service provided by a community for the public good - taxing them for providing that service is wrong and must end. I'll continue to press and lobby the government to end this unfair tax on parish councils and communities."

Ambleside and Grasmere councillor Heidi Halliday added: "Lakes Parish Council, as well as paying business rates, also have to fund the costs of water, electricity, cleaning and other essentials. They provide a service for local people and visitors. More needs to be done to recognise this and support our Parish Council. Its great news that Tim is lobbying government ministers on their behalf to get this changed."

Michael Johnson the Clerk of Lakes Parish Council further added: "Currently business rates on the 7 public conveniences operated by the parish will be £10,500 which is a sixth of their budget. With another modernised public convenience due to open in April this bill will increase."