Unfair Settlement for Rural Communities

Frustration regarding the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement that disadvantage rural councils 

It set out the funding for Councils for the financial year 2024 to 2025, but the consultation on the settlement ran until 15th January 2025, leaving councils little time to respond due to the Christmas and New Year break. 

‘Wages earnt in the rural economy are lower than the national average, and yet rural residents are being penalised due to years of underfunding of rural councils.  In order to balance the books, council tax has been increased resulting in this incredible situation where rural residents are expected to pay 20% more than urban residents, often receiving less services, that are harder to access.’ 

This move comes despite representations from the Rural Services Network and rural MPs highlighting the unfairness of the current funding formula for rural councils. 

For the full story, follow this link to the RSN Website.