Coalition Government delivers for South Lakes says Farron

12.00.00am GMT Sun 21st Mar 2010

Local MP Tim Farron has described the historic Government coalition policy agreement, published yesterday, as delivering a brighter future for the South Lakes.

Among the hundreds of policy programmes announced in the 34 page document included a commitment to promote 'Home on the Farm', a scheme designed by Mr Farron to create affordable housing from disused or underused farm barns.

Also of note for the South Lakes were commitments to create a Post Office Bank, a huge increase in energy from waste through anaerobic digestion, increased accountability for National Parks (likely to mean direct elections for at least some national park members), extra support for hill farmers, and a triple guarantee that pensions are raised by the higher of earnings, prices or 2.5%. There is also a commitment to a powerful supermarket ombudsman to deliver fair trade for local farmers.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"Today's document is a real statement of intent from the new coalition Government that they intend to do things differently, but it's also a document that promises to deliver a better future for the South Lakes.

"There are a number of announcements which will delight people across the South Lakes, including the news that Post Offices will be allowed to expand their number of services, steps to increase the accountability of National Parks and a triple guarantee to make sure pensions increase year on year.

"Farmers will also be pleased to see plans to introduce measures to promote a huge increase in energy from waste through anaerobic digestion along with a commitment to develop a system of extra support for hill farmers.

"I'm also delighted that my own 'Home on the Farm' scheme has been given the 'green-light' to be rolled out across the country. It's a fantastic example of how local authorities can come up with practical solutions when they're given the freedom and authority to act in the interests of their own community."