Cumbria needs bigger share of EU funding

5.03.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Jun 2006

Local MP Tim Farron is backing moves by the North West Regional Development Agency to get a bigger share of EU funding for Cumbria. Cumbria is one of only 4 sub-regions in the EU (and the only one in the UK) which is in real economic decline.

Tim said: "I have asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who decides where EU funding goes in the UK, to top slice the money destined for the North West so that Cumbria gets a bigger share.

"Many organisations in Cumbria have told me how important EU funding is to the county. The Government in London might think we're well off, but the high house prices and low unemployment hide a low wage economy where many local families are struggling. We need a decent share of EU funding, and I hope that we can get it."