People on Low Incomes in Rural Communities 2025-07-03
2025-07-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
In Harlow, 30% of children are living in poverty according to research by Loughborough University and the End Child Poverty coalition. Many families in rural areas turn to local places of worship for support.
In the local authority of Harlow, 30% of children live in poverty. In rural areas such as Sheering and Nazeing, many families rely on local places of worship for help. Can my hon. Friend say more about what the Church is doing to support these struggling families?
In Harlow, St Mary Magdalene church runs a Sunday school and mothers’ union. St Stephen’s church supports local care homes and operates a parent and toddler group. Additionally, St Paul’s and St Mary’s churches partner with the local food bank and run a Bounty club offering low-cost healthy food.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Church closures in both England and Scotland raise concerns about the accessibility of community support for people living in rural areas.
With many churches closing in rural areas, are the commissioners concerned that people living in these areas might lose access to worship or community services?
We value all rural communities, which is why we have various projects to ensure places of worship remain community hubs offering support such as food banks or mother and baby groups.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific concern about closures directly impacting access to services.
Values All Rural Communities
Various Projects
Response accuracy