["The MP is concerned about the inequality, isolation and exclusion caused by poor rural broadband. He criticises Ofcom for not adequately representing rural areas' experiences and highlights that West Dorset has a significant 5G coverage gap with 100% of it being a 5G notspot or partial notspot. The digital phone switchover is seen as problematic due to inadequate connectivity, especially affecting elderly individuals. Only 83% of people in rural areas have fixed broadband compared to 98% in urban areas, impacting small businesses and the economy negatively."]

['Chris Loder highlighted the funding challenges faced by rural councils in England, noting that ten million people live in rural areas where residents earn on average £2,000 less than those in urban areas and face a double national average for fuel poverty. He mentioned that rural council tax is 20% higher per head compared to urban areas, with Dorset Council receiving just £700,000 from central Government funding, which accounts for only 0.2%. Loder also discussed the issue of business rates and social care precepts, noting disparities between rural and urban councils such as London boroughs receiving far more in grants.']

['I am concerned about the proposed reduction in staffed hours at West Dorset railway stations, particularly Sherborne station by 40%, Crewkerne station by 50%, and Dorchester South station by 55%. I argue that this is not reform but inequality against those with mobility issues, the elderly, and those without access to technology. The national figure of 12% tickets sold at ticket offices does not warrant all being closed down, especially in rural areas where the percentage is higher due to demographics.']

['I am concerned about the alarming downward trajectory of access to NHS dentistry in rural parts of Dorset and across the south-west. If someone living in Dorset rings their nearest NHS dentist, there is a 22% chance that they will be told the practice has gone private, a 42% chance that it is not taking new patients with special needs, and a 50% chance that they will be added to a waiting list over 12 months long. The National Health Service Act 2006 set out provisions for agreement between NHS England and dental practices which have deterred dentists from committing to the NHS rather than private practice. The backlog following the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with 45% of dentists reducing their NHS commitments. MP Kerry McCarthy highlighted significant issues in Bristol East regarding NHS dental services. There is a shortage of dentists, with many not accepting new patients and others deregistering existing ones due to high demand elsewhere. Some practices are closing down entirely, affecting numerous constituents. Pregnant women face difficulties accessing free dental care despite entitlements. An estimated 2,000 dentists left the NHS last year, leading to a crisis where some people have resorted to pulling out their own teeth in pain due to unavailability of emergency appointments.']

["Dorset residents pay over two and a half times more council tax than those in London. A third of the population is over 65, and services are largely funded by council tax with only minimal revenue support grant received compared to urban areas like Wandsworth (£654,000 vs £24 million). Dorset Council receives just 0.2% of total income from RSG, making it difficult for the elderly population and children's social care needs."]

["Mr Chris Loder expressed deep concern about the pressures on ambulance services during the COVID-19 outbreak. He highlighted numerous cases of constituents waiting for extended periods for ambulances, often in urgent or critical situations such as after a stroke or a broken hip. The South Western Ambulance Service's request for military assistance was only partially fulfilled, with 18 soldiers supporting logistics and equipment replenishment but no clinicians or drivers provided despite the service experiencing high demand and absenteeism."]