Cost of Public Services Coastal Areas 2024-04-22
2024-04-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Councils in coastal areas face unique challenges and additional costs due to their geographical location. The government has acknowledged the need for reforming local government funding but has not yet addressed these specific issues.
What recent estimate do you have regarding the additional cost to public services delivery in coastal regions? Cornwall, with the longest coastline, faces particular challenges in this area.
Cornwall is unique due to its long coastline and faces specific challenges. The government aims to reform local funding, considering options for grants related to flooding and coastal erosion. Specific plans are under discussion.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner specifically asked for a recent estimate of additional costs in coastal areas, but no figures were provided.
Acknowledges Challenges
Refers To Future Reform
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The government has established the rural services delivery grant for rural areas but not yet addressed the unique challenges faced by coastal regions, such as Cornwall.
Would you consider establishing a dedicated coastal services delivery grant to provide necessary funding support for coastal regions like Cornwall?
While not committing directly, the Minister acknowledges the suggestion's merit and offers to discuss further with the questioner. He notes strong points behind the argument but does not provide a clear commitment or timeline.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for establishing a coastal services delivery grant was acknowledged but not committed to.
Acknowledges Merit
Offers Future Discussion
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The cost of delivering public services, especially care costs, is rising significantly in Somerset. Urban councils receive substantially more funding than their rural counterparts.
What steps are being taken to address the inequality in funding between urban and rural councils, particularly in light of rising care costs?
The Rural Services Delivery Grant is intended to address some of these issues, but criticism follows regarding Somerset's decision not to pursue a unitary status like Dorset.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific question about addressing funding inequality was largely ignored. Instead, the answerer criticized the local council's actions.
Criticizes Local Council
Mentions Existing Grant
Response accuracy