Leicestershire County Council leader and local MPs raise budget concerns with Government minister

Joining County Hall leader Nick Rushton and local government minister Marcus Jones MP (centre of picture) were, from left, David Tredinnick MP, Andrew Bridgen MP, Sir Alan Duncan MP, Ed Argar MP, Sir Edward Garnier MP and Alberto Costa MP EMN-160115-125910001

Nick Rushton, accompanied by six of Leicestershire’s seven MPs, met local government minister Marcus Jones in London on Wednesday.

Due to the loss of Government grant and a rise in demand for care and waste services, County Hall is proposing to save £26 million next year, rising to £78m over the next four years, and to raise the council’s share of council tax by 3.99 per cent.

Mr Rushton said: “I pointed out that Leicestershire, as the lowest funded county council, would be hit harder than many other councils and that the current funding formula doesn’t make sense. I’m grateful for the support from all the MPs and encouraged the minister listened to our points.”

Have your say on the council’s budget proposals at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/budget