Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Walney Excerpts

Monday 23rd January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Goodwill]

I would be more than happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss that specific case and to see what can be done.

[John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op)]

Is the Minister for Policing and the Fire Service aware of the stark warning that was given to his predecessor by the chief constable of Cumbria, Jerry Graham, about the failure of the previous funding formula to take into account

“the cost premium for the sparsity, rurality and geographical isolation of Cumbria”?

Will the Minister meet all Cumbria’s MPs to discuss this important issue before his new proposals come out?

[Brandon Lewis]

I am very aware of the changes and, despite the encouragement of some of the hon. Gentleman’s colleagues, I think it is important that we do this work methodically rather than rushing into it. I have been liaising with Cumbria’s chief constable, and I will be talking to him and the police and crime commissioner. Indeed, I am happy to take input from any source to ensure that we have a clear and transparent process.