Pendle's Conservative MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed an £800,000 boost to Lancashire County Council from the government.

The extra cash for the authority in 2024/25 is part of the Conservative Government’s £64.7 billion Local Government Finance Settlement.

The county council provides key services - including education, adult and children's social care and highways - to 12 borough's including Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

It will see its budget boosted by 5.5 per cent next year.

The Local Government Finance Settlement sets out how much councils have to spend on vital local services each year, including social care which will see a £1.5 billion increase in funding next year as a result of the announcement.

The rise in funding comes on top of the maximum 4.99 per cent hike in Council Tax by LCC, on top of a 4.75 per cent rise in the police precept, and borough councils may also increase their council tax rates, such as Hyndburn has done by two per cent.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Cllr Phil Riley has previously said councils are left with no option but to increase the tax by the maximum amount to get the settlement cash they need from government.

Local authorities in England, including Lancashire County Council, will receive a share of the £64.7bn Local Government Finance Settlement next year – up £4.5bn on last year.

Health minister Mr Stephenson said: “Local authorities play a vital role in our communities, providing crucial local services that people rely on.

“It is great news that Lancashire County Council will have an additional £800,000 funding this year.

"These additional funds will help our local leaders take long-term decisions to deliver a brighter future for their areas.

“This builds on the significant funding boost the council received last year."

Secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, Michael Gove, said: “This settlement, and the changes we have made to address concerns raised through the consultation, will provide local authorities with the tools to support their local communities, continue to reform their services for the long-term, and to help communities prepare for the future.”