GILBERT DEMANDS FAIR FUNDING ACTION

10.22.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Jun 2010

Local Lib Dem MP for St Austell & Newquay, Steve Gilbert, has tabled his first Early Day Motion in Parliament expressing concern at the gross underfunding of Cornwall's public services and calling for a commission to be formed to look into the problem.

Throughout his election campaign, Steve promised that if he were elected, one of his top priorities in Parliament would be to challenge the unfair funding formula that leaves Cornwall's schools, hospitals, police and other public services funded well below the national average.

Commenting, Steve Gilbert said:

"It simply can't be justified to leave Cornwall's public services underfunded to the tune of millions of pounds every year, despite Cornwall having some of the most deprived communities in the country.

"As I grew up in Cornwall I saw the problems this underfunding causes at first hand. That is why I have tabled this important motion and I'm pleased to have already secured the support of Dan Rogerson and Andrew George, I'm calling on the remaining Cornish MPs to sign this EDM as soon as possible."