Tuesday 19th November – Today, Rural England C.I.C unveiled a comprehensive report titled “Socio-Economic Change and Challenges in Rural Small Towns.“ This pivotal research, spearheaded by Rural England, provides an exhaustive analysis of the evolving socio-economic landscape of small rural towns in England, highlighting the transformative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and long-standing socio-economic shifts.
Overview:
The report delves into the significant changes faced by small rural towns, historically central to agricultural, retail, and service provision for their surrounding communities. These towns have experienced profound socio-economic transformations over recent decades, with the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent cost-of-living crisis further accelerating these trends.
Key Findings:
Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic:
- The pandemic has intensified existing socio-economic trends, disrupting local economies, retail sectors, and transportation services.
- Temporary declines in tourism and retail footfall during lockdown periods have led to permanent shifts in consumer behavior.
Government Support and Funding:
- The efficacy of major government initiatives, including the Towns Fund, Future High Streets Fund, and Levelling Up Fund, is critically examined.
- Despite their goals, these programs often exclude smaller towns, especially those with populations under 5,000, leaving many crucial rural service centers without necessary support.
Demographic and Economic Shifts:
- Small rural towns are witnessing an ageing population, with an increase in single-person households and a decline in traditional employment sectors.
- Economic diversification is essential to sustain local economies as traditional industries, particularly agriculture, continue to wane. There can be an over reliance on the seasonal, low pay and part-time working tourism and hospitality sectors which are both heavily impacted by the cost-of-living pressures recently felt.
Retail and Service Provision:
- The rise of online shopping and out-of-town retail centers has significantly impacted small town high streets, with many independent retailers struggling to survive.
- However, towns with a higher proportion of independent shops demonstrate better resilience.
- Festivals and their schedules are enabling many towns to extend the length of their tourist season.
Transport and Accessibility:
- Reductions in public transport services have exacerbated accessibility issues, affecting rural residents’ access to employment and essential services.
- Many towns are actively promoting active travel options, such as walking and cycling, to mitigate these challenges.
Environmental and Green Economy Initiatives:
- Environmental sustainability and the development of the green economy are locally prioritised in many small towns, with a focus on addressing climate change and increasing flood events.
- Attracting jobs in the green economy and promoting circular economy practices are seen as vital for long-term sustainability.
Policy Implications:
The report emphasises the need for more inclusive and targeted government policies that acknowledge the unique needs of small rural towns. Equitable distribution of resources and a nuanced understanding of rural deprivation are essential to foster sustainable development.
Future Directions:
To ensure the long-term vitality of small rural towns, the report advocates for:
- Recalibrated government support accessible to all towns, regardless of size.
- Economic diversification to counteract the decline of traditional sectors.
- Targeted interventions to address social inequalities.
- Empowerment of local communities to develop adaptive strategies for resilience.
Graham Biggs, MBE – Chair of Rural England C.I.C’s Directors said, “This is an important report prepared by Professor Martin Phillips of the University of Leicester and Rural England’s Research Director. It shows that the narrative of small rural towns is one of resilience, adaptation, and hope but that Government support is needed. The report stresses that small rural Towns serve the same economic and social purposes for the town and their hinterlands as their more heavily populated counterparts.
The new Government should consider the findings and act to recalibrate government support so that it is accessible to all towns, regardless of size. With economic diversification to counteract the decline of traditional sectors, targeted interventions to address social inequalities and the empowerment of local communities to develop strategies for resilience, these small rural towns can deliver on the hopes and aspirations of their communities.”