‘Whitehall corridor’ marginalising millions across UK

A new coalition has warned that the government must seek to broaden public spending allocations and undo ‘systemic bias’ against rural Britain.

Britain’s Leading Edge – a coalition of local councils and MPs from across England, has published a new report, Tomorrow’s Society, Today, which claims that the majority of public funding and investment decisions go in favour of a ‘policy corridor’ that neglects rural regions.

Approximately six million people live in areas represented by the coalition, which make up 44 per cent of England’s landmass. Collectively, they generate 37 per cent of renewable energy and contribute eight per cent gross value added each year - equal to that of England’s ‘core cities’ of Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield.

The report also emphasises ‘cold spots’ for household income growth for many of the six million people living in peripheral rural areas without a major city, whilst median earnings in these areas are around £2,600 less than the England average.

Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, said: “Failing to invest in Britain’s Leading Edge areas means missed opportunities to build resilient local economies and communities. At a time of deep economic uncertainty, the next government should be focussed on harnessing the strengths of all areas, unleashing their potential – not just those with major cities. As we develop local industrial strategies, no one should be left behind.”

Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, added: “Rural regions have the potential to be economic powerhouses in their own right. The twelve rural and peripheral authorities represented by Britain’s Leading Edge quite literally help keep the lights on and feed our nation through their rich natural resources and through innovation in food and renewable technology.”

The new coalition includes Cornwall Council, Cumbria County Council, Dorset Council, Durham County Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Herefordshire Council, Council of the Isles of Scilly, Isle of Wight Council, Lincolnshire County Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Rutland County Council, Shropshire Council.