Rural England C.I.C. marked this year’s Rural Vulnerability Day with two pivotal events, bringing together experts, policymakers, and parliamentary representatives to address critical issues facing rural communities. This year’s events focused on the socio-economic changes in small towns and the experiences of rural energy and water customers, alongside a comprehensive update on the State of Rural Services research currently ongoing.
Read moreAuthor: Richard Inman
Rural England C.I.C Releases In-Depth Report on Socio-Economic Challenges in Small Rural Towns
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.”
– Download the Full Report HERE.
– Download the Overview Report HERE.
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Rural England Stakeholder Group AGM – 15th October 2020
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Rural England Stakeholder Group AGM – 7th July 2020
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Utility Companies – April 2020
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by Graham Biggs and Nik Harwood
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Recently we’ve been examining the challenges that rural pupils face in accessing further education and training. Since then, the country has faced unprecedented disruption from the coronavirus outbreak. Frontline workers are rightly focusing on saving lives and stemming the spread of the virus. But the crisis has also thrown into the spotlight an issue which we have been campaigning on for years: rural connectivity.
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Rural Services Network and Young Somerset – March 2020
by Graham Biggs and Nik Harwood
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by Graham Biggs and Nik Harwood
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2019 – Parliamentary Rural Vulnerability Day
State of Rural Services Report 2018
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It covers 8 service areas, which are: Local buses and community transport, Broadband and mobile connectivity, Public library services, Hospitals, Public health services, Young people’s services, Shops and online shopping and Personal advice services Read more
Notes of Rural England Stakeholder Group meeting – 3 December 2018
Rural England Stakeholder Group meeting with the UKRPPRG – 5 November 2018
Rural England Stakeholder Group Meeting – 4 June 2018
People should be brought to the centre stage to deliver more environmental and social benefits
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Rural England Stakeholder Group Meeting – 5 February 2018
2018 – Parliamentary Rural Vulnerability Day
Rural England CIC launched the findings from its latest research paper on ‘Issues Facing Providers of Social Care to Older Residents’.
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Rural England Stakeholder Group Meeting – 4 December 2017
UK Rural Policy and Practitioners Research Group Meeting – 4 December 2017
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Digital adoption…
Rural England Stakeholder Group Meeting – 11 July 2017
Research Press Release – 23.07.17
Rural England and Scotland’s Rural College Launch Consultation on How to ‘Unlock Rural Britain’s Digital Potential’ Read more
Meet the research team
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Rural England Stakeholder Group Meeting – 5 June 2017
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Ticket to Ride – Transport as a Main Problem in Rural Life
Health and wellbeing in rural areas
Rural England Stakeholder Group Meeting – 6 February 2017
National Federation Of Young Farmers’ – Increased Farm Productivity
Rural England Stakeholder Group Meeting – 5 December 2016
UK Rural Policy and Practitioners Group Meeting – 5 December 2016
The State of Rural Services 2016 Report
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Analysis of characteristics of Scotland’s rural economies
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Rural England Stakeholder Group Meeting – 7 November 2016 (AGM)
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Rural Vulnerability – Older People – An Introduction Paper
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Rural Vulnerability – Older People – Isolation and Loneliness
Rural Vulnerability – Older People – Appendices
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Rural Vulnerability – Older People
This is the first of our annual research reports focusing on specific rural issues.
The research investigates key issues affecting the vulnerability of older rural residents and considers their future implications in the context of an ageing rural population.
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A Right To Buy Question and Answer Sheet
This document was prepared in the Autumn of 2015
To view this document click here