Witham MP Priti Patel is calling for reform in the way rural areas are funded.


Ms Patel has presented the Rural Fair Share petition in the House of Commons, which was signed by constituents living in Hatfield Peverel.

The petition, which notes that on average rural households pay more in council tax and earn less than people living in urban areas and that urban areas receive around 50% more per head, calls for reform in the way rural areas are funded.

Ms Patel was joined by 30 other MPs presenting petitions from their constituencies. 

Speaking afterwards, She said: "Rural communities in my constituency and throughout the country feel unfairly treated as they pay more but get considerably less back than urban areas.

"This problem was exacerbated under the last Labour Government when rural villages were completely ignored.

"Reforms are needed and I hope the Government will listen to the strong voices from rural Essex."