Press release

16 July 2008
For immediate release
Contact: Johann Tasker
(07967 634971)

POVERTY IS REAL RURAL ISSUE,
SAYS RURAL SERVICES NETWORK

Commenting on the publication of the Commission for Rural Communities ‘State of the Countryside Report’, Graham Biggs, Chief Officer of the Rural Services Network, said:

"This report provides fresh evidence that poverty in the countryside is a real issue. There are a number of issues that uniquely affect those living in the countryside.

"Demographic change means that countryside has an ageing population, which brings with it a number of difficulties.

"Furthermore, the increasing cost of oil hits rural communities particularly hard. Cars are not a luxury for people living in rural areas, they are a necessity and the increasing cost of petrol really hits pockets.

"In addition to this, a large number of rural homes also use oil for heating, meaning they are hit twice."

Notes to Editor:

The Rural Services Network is the coalition of over 80 of England's most rural local authorities and 150 other public service providers and rural interest groups. For details, see: www.rsnonline.org.uk.

Graham Biggs, Chief Officer of the Rural Services Network, and Chief Executive of South Shropshire District Council is available for interview.

Please contact Johann Tasker on 07967 634971 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it