James Gray MP: Helping rural communities

Conservative MP James Gray outlines the concerns that prompted his Westminster Hall debate on the rural economy during the recession.


I was extremely pleased when I heard that my call for a debate on the 'rural economy in the recession' had been successful.

Although I don't agree with the urban myth that there is a separate and easily identifiable phenomenon called the 'rural economy', which in some way or another is quite different to the economy of our towns and cities, I do believe that it is imperative we remember that rural dwellers are facing just as much of an economic disaster as urban ones.

The rural economy is home to around a million businesses, many of which are particularly susceptible to the recession and are struggling as people tighten their purse strings.

This, coupled with a lack of access to important services such as Job Centres and public transport, threatens to leave many in rural communities isolated and vulnerable.

Farming and food manufacturing are also suffering, with many people currently favouring stores which import their food from overseas.

Although, I am glad to say, the economy of my own constituency, North Wiltshire, is so far showing some signs of resilience, the Jobseeker's Allowance claimant count is rising, residents are reining in their spending and many have seen an increase in their levels of debt.

The time has come for this government to start addressing the problems faced by our rural economies.

Rural communities are the life blood of the countryside and I believe the time has come for them to finally start receiving the help they are in desperate need of.