A DELEGATION from West Devon Borough Council met Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles last week to discuss the unique challenges facing the rural authority.

Led by West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox, the delegation included the council's chief executive Richard Sheard, head of finance and audit Lisa Buckle, council leader James McInnes and Cllr Philip Sanders.

The representatives pressed home to Mr Pickles the problems which face constituents living in rural areas and the steps West Devon is taking to address them.

Cllr McInnes and Cllr Philip Sanders made a powerful case for a change in the funding formula in West Devon.  They said: 'We are delighted that the Government is intending to review the formulae for the cost of services when establishing the baseline for business rates retention.'

Mr Cox said: 'The secretary of state has been made aware of our unique situation in West Devon, in particular the distances which need to be covered in order to deliver services and value for money. 

'West Devon is a well run council which has proven itself to be a pioneer in delivering efficiency savings by sharing services with South Hams.

'I am pleased that the secretary of state will be looking closely at ways to help rural areas like ours to grow SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and micro businesses.

'The people of West Devon are ready and willing to find innovative ways of getting through this recession.'