Publicans and their pubs can be the solution to many of the problems faced in rural areas, Pub is The Hub chief executive John Longden OBE has said.

The statement comes in response to the State of the Art Review on Rural Poverty in January 2025 from the National Innovation Centre Rural Enterprise (NICRE).

The review concluded that more support is required for voluntary and community organisations to continue to reach into rural areas and to maintain essential social infrastructure.

Its study (Rural Poverty Today) explored the hidden poverty in rural Britain, revealing that many face fuel poverty, higher costs of living, insecure employment, unaffordable housing and deteriorating access to essential services.

It highlighted the loss of services in rural areas from the centralisation of job centres, welfare services and sources of advice which make it harder for people in rural settlements to receive information and support, which has had “damaging impacts” on the wellbeing of the most vulnerable.

The research also suggested solutions to these rural issues need to be a combination of people-centred and place-based measures. It added that many voluntary organisations have stepped in to support rural areas but highlighted that many are finding challenges with funding.

In its overview it said: “More support is required for voluntary and community organisations to continue to reach into rural areas and to maintain essential social infrastructure.”

Pub is The Hub chief executive John Longden OBE commented on the report.

 “The loss of rural services is something that has been happening everywhere for many years. Pubs and publicans can be the beating heart of these rural areas providing many of these lost services from the village store, the community garden to the library or the community café” 

“Many pubs can also run activities which help bring people together from craft sessions, to a meeting place for groups, to even hosting advice sessions. All these can help overcome social isolation and give people living in rural and remote areas access to the help and companionship they need.”

The report is from authors Mark Shucksmith, Emeritus Professor, Newcastle University, and Jane Atterton, Head of the Rural Policy Centre at SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College).

A copy of the report can be seen here