Closures of high street services such shops, Post Offices and banks in rural areas are both a consequence and a cause of the rural premium - the added costs of living that people face by virtue of living in a rural area.
That’s according to a briefing provided for MPs this week from campaign group the Countryside Alliance. This comes hot on the heels of a report from the Association of Convenience Stores published last week, detailing the vital role these stores play in their communities.
It goes on to detail the disproportionate impact on village shops and broader rural enterprises from recent high levels of inflation. It advises that these pose risks to small local shops, farm shops and craft producers operating with higher production costs when consumers with less disposable income are forced to substitute cheaper, mass-produced goods and shop at larger, discounted stores, the briefing advises.
Having long campaigned for the reform of business rates, the Countryside Alliance welcomed the government’s plans to support businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure and to consult with businesses in designing reforms. It adds that it is still concerned about the impact of the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions however.
Ahead of a Westminster debate on the closure of high street services in rural areas tomorrow, the Countryside Alliance has shared a briefing note with MPs sharing its position on the matter.
“Rural tourism in England contributes over £13 billion per year to the economy, making up a substantial part of the overall £97 billion value of tourism in England. It makes a significant contribution to the rural economy, supporting village shops and services, jobs and businesses.
“The issues of Post Office viability and lack of access to banking services can and should be linked, with the provision of banking services at Post Office counters offering an additional revenue stream that will bolster their prospects for survival.
“The Countryside Alliance has long made the point that Post Offices must remain relevant in modern times through supporting growth in activities like online shopping through parcel collection and delivery, and to continue to pick up slack as banks and shops close in rural areas.”
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