Funding for rural Britain

That this House expresses deep concern at the defunding of rural Britain; notes that the local government settlements, health provision and energy policies of this Labour Government are massively harming Britain's most rural communities; highlights the major cuts to council spending that will be required as a result of the recent local government funding settlement; further notes that more than 46,000 homes in Cumbria do not have mains gas and that many rely on heating fuels such as oil or liquefied petroleum gas, the price of which has rocketed dramatically increased in recent months due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East; is alarmed by cuts to continuing healthcare support for people with serious conditions; and calls on the Government to end this pattern of neglect towards rural communities by delivering a truly fairly funded settlement and comprehensive rural strategy.