An MP is calling on the government to prioritise rural communities in the upcoming budget.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, Sarah Dyke, has called for improved access to healthcare for rural communities, adequate funding for authorities, and increased financial support for SEND provision.

These demands come as councils, including Somerset, face financial strain.

Ms Dyke said: "Rural communities are in desperate need of support from this budget.

"In Somerset, our communities have unequal access to healthcare, dentists and SEND provision.

"This is as well as being impacted by rural premiums, where the cost of life’s basics are 10 per cent higher due to transport and fuel costs."

She also agreed with the Liberal Democrats call for the government to support small businesses and protect the high street in the budget.

They asked for a reform of the business rates system by the end of 2026.

Ms Dyke said: "Our small businesses and high streets are struggling amidst soaring costs, high energy prices, and spiralling rents.

"Business rates is something the government could and should address now, to ease some of the burden."

She also highlighted the need for investment in the NHS and a thorough review of the Local Authorities' funding model.

Ms Dyke said: "This budget, it’s critical that the government invests in our crumbling NHS infrastructure, and the broken funding model for Local Authorities, which just cannot go on.

"We need an urgent and radical overhaul of the way Local Authorities are funded, in order to continue to provide services for the most vulnerable, who rely on them, and to make sure our most vulnerable children have proper access to education."