SOMERSET should receive more Government funding, extra cash for adult social care and a new payments mechanism for flood prevention work, according to the leader of the county council.

Cllr John Osman lobbied Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid on the issues during the latter's visit to Wells rally Somerset's Conservatives on Thursday (February 24).

Mr Osman said: “I am confident there will be movement and announcements in the coming months on some of the areas where I was able to press and show that Somerset is facing huge pressures.

"I don’t expect a magic wand to be waved, but I know he is receptive to some of the proposals and thoughts I put forward in key areas.”

The council leader added that Mr Javid will continue to hold talks about Somerset and Devon's plans for devolution.

“There is a lot of work going on in the background and it is clear that rural areas are fighting hard to ensure that they can win appropriate concessions from the government," said Mr Osman.

"In his comments to me I am confident that what works in cities and urban areas, such as having a Mayor, is not the only answer being considered for devolution bids such as our own.”

Mr Javid also held talks with Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, pledging £6.7 million towards upgrading the Toneway road between Junction 25 of the M5 and Creech Castle and £10 million towards better broadband speeds in Somerset and Devon.

She said: "Connectivity is essential for the region to prosper and fulfil its potential.

"This will be welcomed by individuals, farmers and rural businesses in remoter, hard to reach areas and I am pleased that the government has again listened to all the calls and realised the necessity of this service."

Mr Javid's visit coincided with the launch of the Somerset Tories' manifesto for the county council elections in May.

The party is promising to keep council tax low, help create jobs, protect vulnerable adults and children, create a university, build new schools, invest in roads, increase recycling and provide homes.