A cross-party group of peers has accused successive governments of ignoring rural communities and forcing inappropriate policies upon them. In a new report, the House of Lords Rural Economy Committee calls for a dedicated rural strategy akin to the government's industrial strategy to address longstanding inequalities.
The report highlights poor mobile and broadband connectivity, the loss of bank and bus services, and social isolation as key concerns. It also criticises the lack of affordable housing and insufficient training opportunities for those working in rural industries. The peers argue that policies designed for urban and suburban areas have too often been imposed on the countryside without adaptation.
Committee chair Lord Foster, a Liberal Democrat peer, described the disparities between urban and rural areas as 'clear inequalities' that cannot continue. The report stresses that rural economies have been 'underrated' in their contribution to national prosperity and wellbeing, and that a new approach is needed as rural England undergoes major transition.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) echoed these concerns, noting that one in five people live in rural areas but too few politicians understand their needs. CPRE chief executive Crispin Truman warned that failing to address specific community needs risks leaving them behind. Ofcom data from last year shows a stark urban-rural digital divide: only 41% of rural premises receive mobile data speeds of at least 2Mbps, compared with 83% in urban areas.
The government has pledged £3.5bn to support rural economic development through the Rural Development Programme by 2020, and £200m to extend full-fibre broadband to rural and hard-to-reach areas by 2033. A government spokesperson said it is committed to 'rural proofing' policies and will continue championing the countryside through improved broadband, housing, and job creation via a dedicated fund for rural businesses.
