DCLG Minister Eric Pickles gave the Labour leaders of Derbyshire short-shrift in their ill thought out quest to meet with him. In what was yet another clear party political electioneering ploy that ignored sensible joined-up approaches to get Government to listen they instead opted to attempt lock horns. Clearly understanding that the minister was unlikely to play ball.

Derbyshire Conservatives believe that the level of cuts being imposed upon local authorities are now above and beyond their fair share and have lobbied through the powerful Local Government Association, of which Cllr Andrew Lewer, the Leader of Derbyshire Conservative Group is Deputy Chairman. 

Cllr Lewer said

"There are clear and effective channels through which local government can influence and challenge ministers on issues like this. Cllr Western and her colleagues knew they were destined to fail but the headline was all that mattered to them.

Derbyshire Conservatives will continue to use effective means to make Government and Ministers listen to the combined and powerful voices of Local Authorities, across all parties, about our real concerns on the issue of local government funding."