Local MP calls for Northern Rock Foundation funding cuts to be restored following nationalisation

3.00.00pm GMT Tue 19th Feb 2008

Tim Farron MP today confirmed his support for the provision of funds to the Northern Rock Foundation from the Nationalisation of the bank which Alistair Darling announced on the 18th February. The Northern rock Foundation provides vital funds to charitable organisations in the North of England and it now appears that £15million will be made available to fund the Foundations many charitable projects

Previously the Foundation had announced that they would be cutting their funding from approximately £23,000,000 to around £7,000,000, which would have been a huge blow to organisations such as Manna House, which are provided for by the Foundation. The announcement that £15million will be made available is an improvement.

Tim Farron said:

"The Provision from the Northern Rock Foundation is absolutely vital for charities which help to build better lives for people in the north of England.

"The proposed cut to these donations would mean many local organisations such as the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, losing vital funds. I am extremely glad that the Foundation will now have more money than was originally feared, but I am writing to the Chancellor and to the Foundation itself to urge them to ensure that these extra funds go to local groups in Cumbria especially in the area of culture and heritage."