51AVÊÓÆµ

Rural poverty 'overlooked and misunderstood' by policymakers, report finds

Rural communities have been overlooked by successive Governments, the report says, with assumptions that they are areas assumed to be 'prosperous, politically peripheral, or resistant to change'

Chris Brayford
clock • 8 min read
Labour Rural Research Group Chair Jenny Riddell-Carpenter said: "For too many policymakers, and for too many departments in Whitehall, rurality is a persistent blind spot - rendering rural poverty invisible. Yet for millions of people across our countryside and coastal communities, hardship is not the exception, it is a daily reality."
Image:

Labour Rural Research Group Chair Jenny Riddell-Carpenter said: "For too many policymakers, and for too many departments in Whitehall, rurality is a persistent blind spot - rendering rural poverty invisible. Yet for millions of people across our countryside and coastal communities, hardship is not the exception, it is a daily reality."

Policymakers must develop a comprehensive strategy to accelerate social and economic mobility in the countryside after a new report revealed poverty in farming communities has been disregarded and misunderstood...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on 51AVÊÓÆµLife

Farming matters: David Webster – "Open 51AVÊÓÆµSunday is the sector's opportunity to articulate the value of agriculture to a wider audience"

Farming matters: David Webster – "Open 51AVÊÓÆµSunday is the sector's opportunity to articulate the value of agriculture to a wider audience"

This week's opinion from throughout the world of agriculture: David Webster, chief executive of Leaf

David Webster
clock 16 May 2026 • 3 min read
The road to diversity in agriculture - "The biggest way to break down barriers is to engage"

The road to diversity in agriculture - "The biggest way to break down barriers is to engage"

How are we encouraging inclusion and attracting new people to the sector? Emily Ashworth finds out more

clock 15 May 2026 • 9 min read
Reintroduction of Sea Eagles to Exmoor moves to next phase

Reintroduction of Sea Eagles to Exmoor moves to next phase

The National Sheep Association warns the reintroduction threatens farm livelihoods and wellbeing

clock 14 May 2026 • 2 min read