A report recently published by the County All-Party-Parliamentary Group (APPG) and County Councils Network (CCN), Social Mobility in Counties, has found that current council funding models contribute to maintaining a cycle of low social mobility, Open Access Government reports.

The report also found that all ten of the least socially mobile areas of England were rural and coastal county areas.

MPs noted that the perception of counties as affluent areas has masked socio-economic challenges and deprivation, while the extra costs of delivering rural services are also not fully recognised when councils are allocated funds.

The Government is currently reviewing the way councils are funded, with a new system promised by 2020.

Full articles:

→ BBC - Rural areas 'least socially mobile'

→ Open Access Government - “Unfair” council funding holding back social mobility in rural counties, MPs warn