Devon charity urges next government to not forget rural

The charity, along with other members of the Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) network, asserts that government policies in the past have shown neglect, leading to a bleak outlook for rural residents, compounded by diminishing public services, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of affordable housing.

All this has resulted in hidden poverty and ageing communities.

James Blake, Chair of ACRE, explained: "We know from our experience of managing recent grant funds for village halls that even a modest amount of government investment targeted at rural communities can spur on some impressive initiatives that respond to local needs."

ACRE, which acts as a representative body for the national network of Rural Community Councils, has proposed a series of policy recommendations for the next government, set to initiate discussions about the adequate level of support and resources required to support rural areas from 2024.

Nora Corkery, CEO of Devon Communities Together, added: "As the Rural Community Council for Devon we have over 60 years’ experience in supporting and working alongside our rural communities and we see first-hand the challenges they face on a daily basis."

She also drew attention to the vital role local organisations and individuals play in mitigating these challenges, describing them as "passionate and innovative".

Ms Corkery highlighted the potential of underused spaces, such as village halls, that could provide more services given the right levels of support.

The CEO held emphatically that this situation necessitates better rural proofing of policies, increased funding and a more profound understanding by the powers that be, of the unique challenges of rural life.

Ms Corkery concluded: "This is just one example of why we need better rural proofing of policies, greater funding and a deeper understanding by those in power of the unique challenges of life in a rural county."