Support mechanisms in rural areas do not go far enough, according to Sir Ewen Cameron, chairman of the Countryside Agency. The countryside is a hive of economic activity that belies its popular chocolate box image, yet a major part of this activity ...
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Support the wider rural economy - 4 July 2003

Support mechanisms in rural areas do not go far enough, according to Sir Ewen Cameron, chairman of the Countryside Agency. The countryside is a hive of economic activity that belies its popular chocolate box image, yet a major part of this activity misses out as support is all directed towards agriculture, land management and tourism, he said.


Speaking at the Royal Show in Warwickshire today (Monday 30 June), Sir Ewen said: “Over four million people and at least half a million businesses such as manufacturing, distribution, public administration and business services are based in rural areas. These key drivers of our rural economies lose out as they tend to be disadvantaged by distance and location and are ignored by sector based policies. They are also missed in too many rural regeneration plans, which tend to focus on farming, food and other activities perceived as rural. 

“The Countryside Agency is working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to explore ways of simplifying the regulatory burden on small businesses, and also with businesses through our Market Towns Initiative to strengthen these hubs of rural economies. But more needs to be done, for example: 

  • We need a complementary inward investment programme to encourage the majority of new rural firms which are started by incomers to rural areas, 
  • Appropriate and accessible advisory and support services are desperately needed by the 40% and more of those in self-employment in rural areas who are on incomes below the poverty line (less than 60% of median income),
  • Rural households often have to draw upon pensions, child and working family benefits and income from part-time jobs and self-employment to eke out sparse livings. Those who regulate and manage financial investments, pensions and social payments, as well as those who plan our countryside, those who advise small businesses, all need to think about their role in building healthier futures for rural communities.                                                                                                             

“We at the Countryside Agency can help improve understanding, but it is the ideas, actions, and partnerships of government, private sector and local communities that are needed to turn evidence into action for the benefit of rural people,” concluded Sir Ewen.

- Ends –

Note to editors:                                                                                                     

The Countryside Agency is the statutory body working to make the quality of life better for people in the countryside and the quality of the countryside better for everyone.