Chancellor meets Wealden council leader

Wealden District Council leader Bob Standley met with Rishi Sunak the Chancellor of the Exchequer last week.

The Chancellor was visiting various sites in Sussex on Thursday 6 January and Councillor Standley said he was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with him together with Nus Ghani, Wealden’s MP.

After the meeting Councillor Standley said, “The Chancellor was keen to hear about the successes in Wealden but also the challenges. He acknowledged the good record Wealden had had in running its finances.”

Councillor Standley voiced his concerns regarding any new unfunded obligations imposed from Whitehall on local councils such as the collection of food waste and changes to green waste collection.

The council leader was also able to raise the issue of new housing numbers.  Wealden District Council recognises the need for new housing and the infrastructure that is required but the government proposed numbers are too high given that more than 60% of Wealden is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or other protected designation.

The Chancellor asked a number of questions and in particular on central government funding bids such as the Levelling Up Fund. Councillor Standley said Wealden council rarely seems to be allocated further funding from central government despite having areas of deprivation.

The council leader said it was a great opportunity to speak with Rishi Sunak and exchange views on the issues affecting Wealden.