Tim Adams, of North Norfolk District Council, has criticised the tiny increase to the council's settlement this year, saying the Labour government "should be embarrassed".

An £800,000 rise to coffers equates to spending power being boosted by just one penny per head in the district, a 0.32pc rise.

Views of Cromer Pier from the beach (Image: Denise Bradley)

However, metropolitan and unitary authorities in northern areas such as Greater Manchester have received an 8.37pc increase, showing rural Norfolk is losing out on investment.

Discussing the issue at a cabinet meeting this week, Mr Adams said: "The government should be embarrassed. Rural areas continue to pay significantly more for fewer services compared to urban areas in the North.

"It is pretty stark."

Tim........

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