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Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MPLiberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Berwick Upon TweedWorking for you and the Berwick upon Tweed Constituency all year roundin Northumberland and in Westminster |
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Beith backs Rural Advocate and calls on Prime Minister to do the same
March 4, 2008 9:30 AM
Lib Dem MP Alan Beith has praised the work of the Government's Rural Advocate, who has highlighted the difficulties faced in rural areas through the high cost of housing and the low level of wages, particularly here in Alnwick District and Berwick Borough.
In a report published earlier this week, the Government's Rural Advocate Stuart Burgess is leading the Chair of the Commission for Rural Communities. Over the last two years, Dr Burgess has visited rural communities across England, listening to their views about the issues that affect the people living and working in rural England. He said
"Rural England is undergoing immense change. Last year over 105,000 more people moved from urban to rural areas than moved the other way. While the quality of life for the majority is good, there remains a sizeable minority whose lives are blighted by disadvantage, poverty and exclusion. This is a problem that is barely recognized and often not addressed."
The Rural Advocate's report covers issues such as housing, farming, social justice, rural business, access to services, community action and engagement. It also highlights examples of good practice from around the country, demonstrating how communities and service-providers are addressing the challenges.
Alan Beith said
"Berwick and Alnwick are among the places with the highest proportion of second homes and the widest gap between house prices and local wages. There is a desperate need for more low cost social housing in the area and up to now government policy has not been helping to achieve this. The Prime Minister needs to take notice of his Rural Advocate, with whom I have had detailed discussions."
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