Rural poverty in Wales has been described as “hidden in plain sight” by councillors, who are advocating for new policies that take into account the unique challenges faced by those living in the countryside. During a recent meeting of Carmarthenshire County Council, Councillor Hefin Jones highlighted the need to “rural-proof” policies to address poverty and deprivation that are often overlooked. He emphasized that rural poverty differs from urban poverty and is not always captured by traditional poverty indicators.
Councillor Jones pointed out that rural areas face a “rural premium,” including higher living costs, lower wages, and limited access to essential services, which exacerbate the level of hardship experienced by residents. The motion he introduced urged the Welsh Government to embed a statutory duty to rural-proof all policies and strategies, ensuring that adjustments consider the impact on rural residents without negatively affecting urban populations. Collaboration with experts to set new targets and criteria for reducing rural poverty was also proposed.
In support of the motion, Councillor Carys Jones highlighted the fundamental needs of rural communities, such as transportation, heating, and access to work and services. She raised concerns about the rising costs of heating oil for off-grid homes in rural areas, stressing that depriving residents of these basic essentials could have disastrous consequences. Other councillors shared examples of the challenges faced in rural regions, including limited public transport services, poor broadband connectivity, and the decline of traditional farming practices.
The debate also saw Labour councillors questioning the historical attention given to rural poverty, with calls for more concerted efforts to address the issue. Councillor Gareth Thomas lamented the decline of family farms and the financial struggles faced by many farmers, noting that pride often prevented them from seeking help. The council unanimously approved the motion, signalling a unified commitment to tackling rural poverty in Carmarthenshire.
Responding to the discussions, the Welsh Government reiterated its commitment to supporting all communities across Wales and acknowledged the unique struggles faced by rural populations. While not planning to develop a specific rural strategy, the government stated that policies undergo a “rural proofing assessment” to ensure they consider the needs of rural areas. A new transport strategy aims to tailor public transport services to rural communities’ requirements.
The debate shed light on the nuanced nature of poverty in rural Wales and the need for tailored interventions to address the challenges faced by these communities. By bringing rural poverty to the forefront of policy discussions, councillors are advocating for a more inclusive approach that considers the specific needs of those living outside urban centres. The unanimous support for the motion reflects a shared commitment among councillors to combat rural poverty and deprivation, marking a step towards more inclusive and equitable policies in Wales.