Economic Growth Rural Areas 2025-07-01
2025-07-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted persistent poverty in many rural areas, exacerbated by additional living costs known as the 'rural premium'. She referenced concerns about accurate reflection of deprivation.
While I welcome the Government’s rural growth plans, I am concerned about the persistent poverty in many rural areas. The additional costs of living in these communities—known as the rural premium—exacerbate hardship. What specific steps will the Chancellor take to support those in, or near, poverty in rural areas, and will the Treasury commit to revising the indices of multiple deprivation to more accurately reflect deprivation in rural and coastal communities, such as west Somerset and mid Devon?
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will be coming forward with further details of funding for the 350 most deprived communities across the country, including rural areas.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to support people in poverty were not addressed; commitment to revise indices was also not confirmed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted Cornwall’s status as one of the most deprived regions of northern Europe, previously benefiting from objective 1 structural and sustained prosperity fund funding.
As one of the most deprived regions of northern Europe, Cornwall benefited from objective 1 structural and sustained prosperity fund funding. Can the Minister confirm that, under this Government, Cornwall will not lose out on funding for economic growth and the investment that our communities deserve?
We are supporting growth across the country, and we will publish further details of how we will do that in the coming weeks.
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Assessment & feedback
Confirmation was not provided; only a promise to publish more information later was given.
Response accuracy