[UK] One-in-five live in rural poverty

from The Guardian

Press Association

One in five people live in poverty in rural areas, a report claims.

But a survey from the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) found almost half - 48% - of some 1,000 people polled did not recognise there was disadvantage in their area.

The CRC's report cites traditional attitudes as often being behind delays in seeking help, "cultural values of pride and self-reliance" meaning the disadvantaged don't want to draw attention to themselves.

Despite the majority of people (56%) believing schools tended to be good, the local area being a good place to bring up children (69%) and suffering from little crime (74%), some 78% said it was difficult to find decent affordable housing.

The survey also found 64% thought it was difficult to find a well paid job, more than a third thought some people struggled to find enough cash for the basics, while half agreed some people in their area were lonely because they do not have friends or family nearby.

The report has identified three priorities to be tackled, including financial poverty - in which wages as low as £3 a day are paid to workers and there is a low take-up of benefits.

Rural Disadvantage: Priorities for Action also cites "network poverty", which can be improved by informal contact from friends and neighbours, but needs support with venues such as community halls, village shops and rural post offices, to enable social interaction.

The issue of rural transport or ways to overcome the need to travel should also be addressed to improve access to services and jobs.

Dr Stuart Burgess, chairman of CRC's parent body, the Countryside Agency, urged action to address the problems. "This report gives a clear indication of where action is most needed and most urgent.

"The role of government will be critical, but there is much, too, that the wider public, private and community sectors can and should take forward. Addressing these priorities for action now will prove a sound investment for the future of rural England."