Skip to content

The impact of the pandemic on rural life

  • by JW

“Farmers and rural residents face being digitally excluded and locked out of key services as the nation builds back from the pandemic”

.

Harcombe

The last two years has been difficult for everyone – but rural areas fear being left behind:

Levelling up rural: the untapped potential – Vision Group for Sidmouth

Levelling Up Rural: stimulating lasting recovery and revitalisation – Vision Group for Sidmouth

As shown in a new report just out:

The government has been urged to rural-proof pandemic rebuilding plans, following the release of a new report highlighting the growing rural-urban divide. Farmers and rural residents face being digitally excluded and locked out of key services as the nation builds back from the pandemic, Rural England CIC’s report warns. This is due to underinvestment in rural connectivity and skills, despite a growing desire in these areas to embrace digital for health, shopping and other needs.

Government urged to rural proof pandemic rebuilding plans – FarmingUK News

This is from a full analysis of the report by the Rural Services Network:

“It is critical that the government does not ignore rural residents and businesses as the nation rebuilds from the pandemic. Those who find it more difficult to adapt to online services are at risk of further challenges in accessing already harder to reach services. This report launched today provides a vital on-going snapshot of how well rural services are being delivered, and what effect that delivery is having on the quality of life in our countryside.”

Rural communities risk Catch-22 situation as shift to online gathers pace but poor connectivity still leaves many behind – Rural Services Network