North West loses £60m due to Labour Government inaction

Liberal Democrats have condemned the Labour government's refusal to apply for a six month extension for European Funding for the English Regions, but they have allowed this is Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This was discussed at the Liberal Democrat's North West Conference held on 21st March 2009. Blackburn with Darwen Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr David Foster, supported the motion and explained, " This inaction by the government means the North West Region will lose at least £60 million and most of this money will find its way back to the Treasury. Small businesses are crying out for help."

At their conference the Liberal Democrats called on the Government to reimburse the North West so that small and medium size businesses can get more help.