REDDITCH has been handed an extra £88,000 from central Government to ease the burden caused by sharp cuts in the Revenue Support Grant.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley, along with the leader of Worcestershire County Council Simon Geraghty led a consultation with Local Government Secretary Greg Clark on Tuesday, February 9.

After talks in Westminster, the Secretary of State has responded to severe pressure by announcing an extra £416 million for the worst-hit local authorities.

The borough council, which will see a 43 per cent cut in Revenue Support Grant funding over the next year, is now set to receive the additional 'transitional' grant of £44,253 for financial years 2016/2017 and £44,090 for 2017/2018.

Mrs Lumley said: "I am delighted that the Government has made sensible responses to the reasonable suggestions made in the consultation – it just goes to show that consultation works – and I am delighted that Redditch will benefit from these changes."

Council Leader Bill Hartnett has been championing Redditch’s case as one of the worst-hit areas; sending letters to both Mrs Lumley and the Secretary of State.

Cllr Hartnett said: “I am very glad the minister has taken heed of the letter and we have been given a little bit back.”

Councillor Juliet Brunner, leader of the Conservative group, added: "I would like to thank Karen for her tremendous efforts in lobbying Greg Clark on behalf of the residents of Redditch on this issue.

"This is all very welcome news."