Laura Sharman 22 July 2019

Rural councils call for end to 'systemic bias' in public finance

The Government has been urged to end 'systemic bias' when allocating public funding by a new coalition of council chiefs and MPs.

Britain’s Leading Edge, a special interest group being launched today, has warned public funding and investment decisions are being made in favour of the 'policy corridor'.

It claims that this means rural areas without major cities are being denied opportunities being given to England's Core Cities despite contributing the same GVA.

A new report by the group also identifies 'cold spots' for household income growth for the six million people living in peripheral rural areas.

Cllr Adam Paynter, deputy leader of Cornwall Council said: 'Now more than ever, Britain’s Leading Edge needs to be a strong voice for the rural areas we represent as the next Government finalises its plans for a Shared Prosperity Fund and on the commitments made by Government towards rural communities and businesses.

'For too long the "policy corridor" has excluded broad swathes of the country from fair access to opportunity. Britain’s Leading Edge will work to give areas that provide vital - but often neglected regional resilience - to the wider nation, fuller access to opportunities to thrive from industrial and devolution policy and public service reform.'

The report argues government measures of value should take more account of natural capital.

The twelve founding members of Britain’s Leading Edge comprise: Cornwall Council; Cumbria County Council; Dorset Council; Durham County Council; East Riding of Yorkshire Council; Herefordshire Council; Council of the Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight Council; Lincolnshire County Council; North Yorkshire County Council; Rutland County Council; Shropshire Council.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North Essex

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North EssexPermanent, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School, ColchesterPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hour Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

SEND Inclusion Partner

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
SEND Inclusion PartnerPermanent, Part Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum (Full Time Equivalent)Actual Salary (22.2 hours per week) £25,657 to £30,184 pe England, Essex, Braintree
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner