University of Aberdeen Expert to Give Evidence to House of Commons Select Committee
There is widespread poverty in rural areas of Britain, hidden amongst general affluence, according to evidence submitted to the Scottish Affairs Committee today (Wednesday, February 9th) by Professor Mark Shucksmith, Co-Director of the Arkleton Centre for Rural Development Research at the University of Aberdeen.
While incomes are slightly higher in the countryside than in our towns and cities, as the Prime Minister said last week, one in three of Britain’s rural population experienced poverty at some time during 1991-96. This is only slightly lower than in urban areas.
The Government argued last week that, despite the crisis in agriculture, rural Britain enjoys continuing prosperity. Evidence from Professor Mark Shucksmith shows that despite the relative affluence of many in rural Britain there is also widespread poverty, far beyond the farming community. The groups most at risk are older people, women, young people, low-paid households in work, the self-employed, and people detached from the labour market for one reason or another.
Yet, according to Professor Shucksmith, “poverty and social exclusion in rural areas tends to be neglected, partly because poverty is more visible in the cities and partly because of our romantic vision of rurality.
“The popular conception of prosperous, idyllic countryside often conceals poverty, inequality and social exclusion which bear on the lives of a substantial minority of those in rural Britain. It is important that their needs and their life-chances are not forgotten by the Social Exclusion Unit and by Government. There would be merit in subjecting all proposed legislation and policy initiatives to audit in respect of their likely impact on people on low incomes in rural areas (‘rural equality proofing’)”
While the incidence of persistent unemployment is less in rural areas, the problem of low pay is more widespread, partly because of the low wages offered in tourism and the land-based industries. People are also more likely to be trapped on low pay in rural areas where employment is dominated by small firms with fewer opportunities for career progression. Despite this, uptake of welfare entitlements is low because of a lack of information and advice, and the greater stigma to benefit receipt in small communities.
Opportunities are also restricted by transport difficulties, lack of childcare facilities, the lack of affordable housing and the centralisation of jobs and services.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INTERVIEWS ARE SUBJECT EMBARGO
Professor Shucksmith will be available for interview on Friday, February 4th and Tuesday, February 8th at his office at the University of Aberdeen (Telephone 01224 272360). He will be also be available in person on the afternoon of Wednesday 9th February in London at the House of Commons (after his presentation) at 12:45 pm inside the St. Stephen’s entrance corridor. Further interviews in London may be booked through Tina Kenworthy at the University of Aberdeen Public Relations office (Telephone (01224) 273778).