Farming UK reports that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable people living in the countryside are being 'overlooked and underserved' by government policy, according to researchers from Newcastle University, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Inverness Impact-Hub

Examining the issues facing the poorest people living in rural areas across the UK, the group argues that voluntary groups, charities and communities are 'left to fill the gaps' that have been created by a 'relative lack of direct support' from the UK government for rural communities.

Challenges include a lack of public transport, lack of affordable food, seasonal working patterns and unreliable mobile phone coverage and internet access.

Mark Shucksmith, Professor of Planning at Newcastle University, said:

“Nobody should be disadvantaged because of where they live...But poor and vulnerable people in rural areas very much are. Life is tough for anyone living in poverty but those who live in the countryside face a very specific set of additional challenges. Rural citizens should expect fairness and similar rights of citizenship - that is, fair outcomes including access to services which meet needs, and investment in social and economic infrastructure."

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Farming UK - Rural poverty 'overlooked' by government, researchers warn