Harborough MP joins forces with other Leicestershire MPs to demand more money for the lowest-funded county council under successive governments

Mr O’Brien was backed by South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa and Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns.

The three Conservative MPs made their case to Local Government Minister Luke Hall.

They are calling for a new funding formula to pour more money into Leicestershire.

It’s been the lowest-funded county council under successive governments.

Leicestershire’s spending power per head for 2020/21 stands at £736, compared to £849 for Leicester City, £888 for Surrey and £1,171 for Islington.

If Leicestershire enjoyed the same spend per head as Islington in north London this would mean an extra £304m in 2020/21 for local services.

Mr O’Brien said: “This was a useful meeting to make the case alongside fellow local MPs for a new settlement that greater reflects the costs incurred in delivering services.

“It is often the case, as it is for Leicestershire, that the costs increase with greater rurality and we need a new formula that reflects this.”

He added: “The government has confirmed that they are committed to reviewing this, which was welcome news.

“We’ll continue to press for fairer funding to support our local authorities and the delivery of services for residents across Leicestershire.”