The Liberal Democrats say that continued funding for initiatives that support local enterprise, employment and training programmes are at risk following the referendum decision. In response yesterday to a question from the Liberal Democrats, the Conservative leader of South Northamptonshire Council gave details of EU funding programmes that are benefiting the district.

Commenting after last night’s meeting of South Northamptonshire Council, Liberal Democrat Councillor Martin Johns said: “The prospect for continued funding for important economic and social projects in South Northants are now very uncertain. It may be of surprise to some residents but European Union funding has supported a range of local initiatives over many years. An even wider range of support has been provided across Northamptonshire and to our local university. Programmes supported by the EU have included business development, employment, training, and support for local agriculture. The EU for example, supported the introduction of Broadband across South Northants, helping connect rural businesses and homes.”

County Councillor Chris Lofts commented: “Its disappointing that the Conservative leadership at South Northants Council has so far failed to fully assess the potential impact of the loss of EU funding on local businesses and the voluntary sector. Another case perhaps of Conservatives without a plan? The Liberal Democrats are urging SNC to wake up to the negative impact of the potential loss of significant EU funding in the district. There is an urgent need to lobby government to explain how it intends to replace existing EU funding programmes after Brexit.”

Councillor Martin Johns added: “The council should indeed be lobbying central government and our local MP, now a cabinet member, who pushed so hard for the UK to leave the European Union.”