Rural Coalition Raises Key Concerns With DEFRA Minister

Earlier this month, members of the The Rural Coalition met with Dame Angela Eagle, Minister of State at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to discuss the realities facing rural communities across England.

The meeting provided an important opportunity to bring forward the lived experience of rural areas and to ensure these challenges are clearly understood at the heart of government.

The growing pressure on rural households

A central focus of the discussion was the ongoing impact of rising heating oil costs, particularly for households living off the gas grid.

For many rural residents, this is not just a short-term issue but part of a wider cost-of-living challenge. Limited access to public transport means greater reliance on private vehicles, while rising fuel costs continue to add further strain.

Taken together, these pressures create what was described as a “triple challenge” for rural communities:

• Lower average wages in the rural economy
• Higher costs to heat homes
• Increased transport costs

This combination leaves many rural households disproportionately exposed to economic shocks.

Funding disparities and long-term risks

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, also highlighted the ongoing issue of rural funding disparities and what this means for local service delivery.

RSN analysis of the final Local Government Finance Settlement shows that:

• Urban councils receive almost a third (32%) more in Government Funded Spending Power per head than rural councils
• Rural residents pay, on average, 17% more in council tax per head to help bridge this gap

Looking ahead, the longer-term trend is even more concerning:

• Urban councils are projected to see a 20% increase in government funded spending power
• Rural councils are expected to see just a 2% increase

This widening gap risks creating a position where council tax alone cannot compensate, ultimately leading to difficult decisions about the level and availability of services in rural areas.

A shared understanding, but more to do

In response, the Minister acknowledged the challenges raised and noted that current funding decisions have been made within wider fiscal constraints.

The discussion marked a constructive step in ensuring rural issues are heard at the highest levels. However, it also reinforced the need for continued engagement to ensure policy decisions fully reflect the realities of rural communities.

The members of the The Rural Coalition : Action with Communities in Rural England Arthur Rank Centre CPRE, the Countryside Charity The National Centre for Rural Health & Care National Association of Local Councils NFU (National Farmers' Union) National Housing Federation Plunkett UK RICS Rural Services Network Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA)