ITV news reports that there are increasing calls for more Government support to help boost Cumbria's economy

Rural areas are 19% less productive than the national average according to the Country Land and Business Association, and they say closing the financial gap between the countryside and Britain's urban regions is vital.

The organisation wants to see what it describes as barriers to economic growth removed - a call that's echoed by Cumbria's rural businesses.

South Cumbrian Farmer and landlord Mark Southern says businesses like his face different challenges to urban areas, saying:

"There's no significant coverage for, for instance, mains water. We're off grid when it comes to mains gas, and often mains sewerage.

So, if you are trying to develop a business in a rural community, you have to factor in the very significant additional costs of putting in your utilities, for instance, because it's extremely expensive to find alternatives."

As a landlord, he provides homes for 50 local families but says planning and housing laws are geared towards urban properties so often put rural landlords off renting to local people, to increase the local workforce.

A big challenge for rural businesses can be finding staff and where it is difficult, it adds to the cost of running the business.

House prices are often higher in rural areas like Cumbria, yet wages are often lower than in urban areas.

Full article:

ITV - Support needed to help rural areas level-up and boost Cumbria’s economy