Local Government Funding: Rural Areas

Debate between Steve Reed and Sheryll Murray

Monday 11th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Reed]

The hon. Gentleman is right to say that there is a decline in wages relative to the cost of living in those areas. The Labour party is looking for fair funding across the Government, and I will say more about that later if he will allow me.

Pulling all that together, we are seeing a toxic cocktail of rising fares for worsening public transport, inaccessible public services, demand for services rising faster than funding, fewer good job opportunities, falling wages and soaring housing costs. People are being priced out of living and working in rural areas.

[Mrs Sheryll Murray]

I think I am hearing the hon. Gentleman confirm that Labour would reverse the changes it made in the funding formula in the early 2000s. Am I correct?

[Mr Reed]

What the Labour party is seeking is fair funding so that all communities and all parts of the country can benefit.