Government calls for evidence to determine cost-of-living crisis impact on rural areas
11th October 2022
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is calling for the input of rural communities and businesses via a formal inquiry to help ascertain whether the countryside is being disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
The current economic climate in the UK has been putting significant financial strain on rural and urban areas alike, with inflation reaching an all time high of 10.10% in July 2022 and energy prices likewise at record highs.
Due to inherent inequalities present in the countryside such as sparsity, lower productivity and wages and higher house prices, rural communities are having to reach deeper into their pockets on average to pay for the increased cost of living.
The government inquiry aims to assess the severity of the impact the current crisis is having on rural areas and the steps that can be taken to mitigate these, while considering the long-term political implications for the countryside. Individuals can submit both oral and written evidence, which the APPG will incorporate into a report to be published in early 2023.
This is the second inquiry the APPG has launched this year targeting rural communities, following on from the report Levelling Up the Rural Economy: an inquiry into rural productivity. The report produced 27 key recommendations for policy makers to boost the rural economy using insight from over 50 businesses, academics, charities and industry bodies.
The new inquiry is set to investigate four key themes, namely the general impact of the crisis on rural businesses and consumers, alongside employment, housing, and energy. The APPG urges all stakeholders in the rural economy to share their views in order to provide the government with the full picture of the challenges faced by those living in the countryside.
Julian Sturdy, Conservative MP for York Outer and co-chair of the APPG, commented: “This inquiry couldn’t be more timely. To understand the true effects of the cost-of-living crisis on rural communities, we need to hear from businesses and individuals alike.”
Lord Cameron of Dillington, co-chair of the APPG, said the government has been neglecting the needs of the countryside which cannot be allowed to continue.
“The government initially left out the needs of the countryside in their plan to level up the country.
“We must do everything we can to make sure that rural communities are not ignored by policy makers this time, as we face increasing hardships for rural businesses and families.”
To help provide the most detailed view of how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting rural areas, Mark Tufnell, president of the Country Land and Business Association, said the CLA will be encouraging members to submit evidence for the new inquiry.
“With the subsequent cost-of-living crisis still developing, with increased fuel, fertiliser, energy and food prices all still rising, the time is now to investigate the real impact that these challenges are having on not just businesses but for everybody whose life is tied to the countryside.
“The CLA has a broad range of members with incredibly varied enterprises across all aspects of the rural economy, and we will be strongly encouraging as many of our members as possible to submit evidence to this very important new inquiry.”
To contribute to the inquiry, individuals can email ruralpowerhouse@cla.org.uk with details of the areas they wish to answer until 25th November 2022.
