Local government funding is a mess – according to Dorset Council leader Spencer Flower.

He says it is wrong that Dorset gets no revenue support grant from the Government, putting a greater financial burden on residents, compared to other areas.

"Why do London Boroughs get £24m a year. We get nothing. It's not good enough, so I am challenging government about that because the burden of the cost of our services rests too heavily on the local taxpayer…. I think we need to recognise that Dorset is getting a poor deal.

"It's not just the current government, its successive governments, of all colours, down the years," he told Thursday's full council meeting.

Cllr Spencer earlier revealed that his half-hour meeting with Secretary of State Michael Gove was listened to intently not only by the Minister but by senior officials also in the room.

"He took the opportunity quite seriously," said Cllr Flower, who said that as a result he then went on to meet the country's chief planning officer with another meeting with her expected in early June.

"I am hoping beyond that we might be able to make some more announcements… I am determined to get the best for Dorset," he said.

He told the meeting that the costs of 'rurality' for Dorset was enormous compared to more compact council areas.