MP calls for fairer funding for rural public services

South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson has urged the Chancellor to deliver fairer funding for rural public services ahead of next month’s Autumn Budget.

In a letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Mr Anderson warned that essential services such as West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are struggling with growing financial pressures and insufficient government support.

West Mercia Police recently reported an £8 million funding shortfall due to rising employment costs, including April’s increase in National Insurance contributions. Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said that while 12 new officers are being recruited, cuts and role changes have been necessary to keep frontline numbers up.

Meanwhile, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned that planned council tax reforms could reduce local funding and lead to further cuts in staffing and resources. Nationally, standalone fire authorities could see a real-terms loss of £102 million over the next three years.

Mr Anderson said rural communities face extra challenges in delivering services over large areas, and he has again called for a “rural uplift” in government funding to reflect these costs. He also renewed his campaign for the reinstatement of the Safer Streets Fund, which ended in September after investing £150 million in 400 projects nationwide.

“Ahead of the Autumn Budget, I have urged the Chancellor to deliver fairer funding for rural public services,” said Mr Anderson. “Financial pressures on our fire and police services have been worsened by the £25 billion Jobs Tax, and proposed council tax reforms could make things even harder. We need long-term investment to improve community safety, particularly in rural areas.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion thanked Mr Anderson for his support, warning that without more funding “the thin blue line will be stretched even thinner.”

Chief Fire Officer Simon Hardiman added: “Adequate funding is critical if we’re to meet current and future demand and continue delivering excellent services to our communities.”