Rural England risks being 'left behind' post-Brexit

The Local Government Association has warned that millions living in rural England are at risk of being 'left behind' following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Having set up a Post-Brexit England Commission to examine the challenges and opportunities faced by non-metropolitan England, the LGA’s latest report argues that the challenges facing rural areas can only be met by passing down greater powers to local areas.

Towns and villages outside the big cities are facing unique challenges but are increasingly frustrated that the levers of power continue to be held in Westminster and Whitehall. Such frustrations include a disproportionately ageing population, younger people struggling to find jobs, businesses being 30 per cent less productive per job than urban areas with a major town centre, and poor mobile and broadband connectivity.

Councils are concerned that the brain drain away from rural areas and towards bigger cities and towns will continue. Therefore, the LGA is calling for the government to use the Spending Review to address the £8 billion overall funding gap facing councils by 2025. Council leaders also recommends giving councils the powers and freedoms to seize the initiative and make sure their communities and businesses can thrive.

Mark Hawthorne, chairman of the People and Places Board, said: “Rural residents and businesses deserve an equal stake in the nation’s future success. They want the same level of digital connectivity as their urban counterparts, jobs that reward their hard work, their fair share of public investment and are keen to take advantage of new opportunities for international trade.

“As Whitehall and Westminster have become increasingly pre-occupied with delivering Brexit, local councils have got on and delivered crucial services and investment for their residents. Our hard work and commitment is reflected by the enormous trust placed in councils by residents. Our message to government is simple, give councils the powers they need to help people get on with their lives and address a deepening divide between rural and urban areas of England.”