Countryside risks becoming ‘enclave of affluent’, government warned

COUNTRYSIDE areas risk becoming “enclaves of the affluent” without Government action on affordable housing and local services, a coalition of groups has warned.

As the UK moves to leave the European Union, Government was told it must recognise that rural issues were more than agriculture and the natural environment, with diverse business sectors and communities that faced being squeezed out of the debate.

And the negotiations and post-Brexit policies and funding must be “rural-proofed” to provide a fair deal to the more than nine million people in the countryside who were at risk of being left behind, the 12 national organisations urged.

With EU trade, regulations, funding programmes and migrant labour helping to shape the countryside, future policies must meet the needs of communities, for example dealing with the loss of EU grants which could have severe consequences for rural areas.

And the Government must address pressing issues such as the lack of affordable rural housing and the impact of austerity on local services, which can be more expensive to deliver in the countryside, the Rural Coalition said in a statement.

The coalition is made up of groups including the National Farmers’ Union, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the Town and Country Planning Association.

They are calling for an ambitious annual target for the number of new affordable homes built in rural areas and a dedicated rural affordable housing programme.

Ministers must also deliver a support programme for rural businesses and community entrepreneurs, ensure the extra costs of delivering services in rural areas are reflected in funding formulas, and provide a comprehensive community infrastructure support programme.

The Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans, president of the Rural Coalition, said: ‘England’s glorious countryside brings great joy to many people, both those living in it and those beyond.

“It would be a great shame, however, if only the affluent are able to live in rural areas in the future because of a lack of long-term thinking on housing and other key services.

“No population in this country should feel left behind, and it is time for policymakers to work together to create a living, working countryside and give rural communities a sustainable future.”

Margaret Clark, chairwoman of the Rural Coalition, said: “The Government must recognise that rural England is not just about farming and the environment, and address the very real challenges facing those who live and work in our smaller towns and villages.

“For too long, rural people and businesses have been left behind and sidelined in the national political debate.

“It is time for Government departments to up their rural-proofing game to achieve a Brexit deal and domestic policy agenda that works for rural communities.

“From now on, all policies and their implementation must be properly assessed to ensure they meet the needs of the millions of people who call the countryside home,” she urged.