MP appointed Parliamentary Patron for rural affairs campaign (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

MP appointed Parliamentary Patron for rural affairs campaign

11:18am Tuesday 26th June 2012 in Local

North Wiltshire MP James Gray has been appointed a Parliamentary Patron of the Rural Fair Share campaign.

The campaign brings together MPs from all parties, along with organisations, community groups, and individuals concerned about the welfare of our rural communities.

Mr Gray said: "Rural areas tend to be good stewards of public funds and make do with what is offered. This has sometimes been used as an excuse to provide them with less funding.

"In tough times it is essential that we move to a fairer allocation of limited public resources that give rural areas the resources they need.

"The Rural Fair Share campaign supports impartial, objective, needs based policy which is equitable to all.

"It will also help Members of Parliament who represent the countryside to do a better job of making our case about the needs of rural areas."

According to a report by the Rural Services Network, rural residents earn less, on average, than those in cities, pay council tax which is £100 higher per head, and see urban areas receive government grants fifty per cent higher per head than those in the countryside.

This means people in the country earn less, pay higher council tax and then receive substantially less support for services.

Delivering services in sparse, rural areas also tends to be more expensive, which can add to the burden.