SOUTH Lakeland's politicians are gearing up to "thump the tub" at Whitehall following claims the region has been short-changed by Government.

According to a South Lakeland District Council report, the authority was among the country's top losers in the recent round of Government grant settlements.

This week SLDC cabinet heard how changes to the complex funding formula could mean the council's coffers look set to lose half a million pounds in coming year, potentially exposing council tax payers to higher bills and putting services at risk.

Coun Kevin Lancaster said the new Government formula did not take into account the type of deprivation peculiar to South Lakeland. "We do have deprivation here but maybe it is scenic deprivation."

Coun Colin Hodgson said SLDC should "thump the tub" by lobbying ministers and senior civil servants. "We have got to get the best possible deal for South Lakeland," he said.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins has written to local government minister Nick Raynsford asking him to meet a delegation from SLDC so they can plead their case for a better deal. Mr Collins said: "The Government's new funding settlement for council services in South Lakeland could have devastating consequences for council tax payers in the district who are already reeling from a series of large-scale job losses in places like Kendal and Milnthorpe.

"It is vital for the minister to be left in no doubt what the implications of this inadequate settlement will be for council tax payers in South Lakeland."

l Meanwhile Cumbria County Council leader Coun Rex Toft is set to lead a team of senior CCC representatives to London today to lobby government ministers.

January 10, 2003 11:02