Rural group launches manifesto plea to parties as election looms

AN ORGANISATION which works for rural communities has today launched its own manifesto, aimed at all political parties as a General Election approaches.

The Rural Services Network (RSN) has published a document listing 10 key themes it regards as vital to help provide a fair deal for those living in isolated communities.

The RSN is made up of more than 250 organisations from both public and private sectors and accuses governments of having continually failed to recognise difficulties for people in rural areas in accessing vital services.

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Key points include stimulating growth in rural economies, protecting the future of rural schools and ensuring health and social care is available.

They are also pressing all parties to pay more attention to providing robust flood defences, providing affordable housing and ensuring rural households and businesses have the infrastructure to exploit digital advances.

Providing safe, reliable and affordable public transport is regarded as a necessity, as is tackling fuel poverty in rural areas.

RSN chairman Roger Begy OBE, who is also leader of Rutland County Council said: "For too long, metropolitan policymakers have failed to understand that the needs of the countryside are often very different to those of the city.

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"Particularly in a time of public spending restraint, policymakers need to be reminded that, due to the failure of the funding formulae to recognise the costs of providing services across rural areas, many services survive on a shoestring, which means that even small cuts can seriously undermine them.

"The countryside is not just a retreat for well-off or retired people. Nor is it – despite the importance of both – only inhabited by farmers and tourists.

"The countryside is a living and working part of Britain, where a diverse range of people go to live, work, and raise a family.

"The value which rural communities bring to the British economy, society, and culture should not be underestimated by anyone."

RSN representatives will officially hand over copies of the manifesto to all three major political parties at a reception at the House of Commons on Wednesday.