CHRISTCHURCH and East Dorset councils have received an unexpected funding boost to the tune of nearly £900,000 after initially being turned down.

After Christchurch MP Chris Chope called for an answer in Parliament as to why the local authority’s bid for the Transformation Challenge Award was unsuccessful, Christchurch and East Dorset have been told they will be given the money.

The award will move forward further plans for sharing services between the two councils.

Local Government Minister, Kris Hopkins, agreed to provide the funding, writing to the leaders of both councils, saying “…in the case of your bid, the assessment should have placed more emphasis on your need for the Transformation Challenge Award funding to progress your already successful sharing arrangements. I have decided, therefore, that in this case your authorities should be awarded £867,500 from the Transformation Challenge fund.”

Cllr Ray Nottage, middle, leader of Christchurch Borough Council, said: “This is tremendous news and proves that the government is prepared to listen and reconsider their decisions if they are provided with a strong enough case.

Our thanks also go to Chris Chope MP for the part he has played in influencing the decision.”

Cllr Ian Monks, left, leader of East Dorset, added: “This award means that we can continue to work for our residents in both areas to provide the services they expect and deserve whilst making further savings. Without the award we would have had to make some compromises, but now we can progress our plans as originally intended.”