Call for post-lockdown action in rural areas Published on: 7 May 2021 Many more rural residents will be at risk of poverty and financial hardship after lockdown ends unless action is taken, a new study has warned. The study into the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns on people in Northumberland, East Perthshire and Harris, was carried out by 缅北禁地, and the . It found that as government support schemes end, and other sources of support become more constrained, rural residents will be more at risk of financial hardship and vulnerability – unless appropriate action is taken. There have been fewer Covid-19 cases in rural areas because of lower population densities and less mixing on public transport, but the reliance on tourism and hospitality employment has led to a severe economic impact during the lockdowns. While these impacts were mitigated by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self Employment Income Support Scheme and through an uplift to Universal Credit, people in rural areas warn of growing unemployment and poverty when these are withdrawn. There are also many who did not benefit from these schemes, including seasonal, casual and freelance workers and some self-employed people. The research findings are published in the report ''. This is the second report from the , funded by the , which explored why and how people in rural areas experience and negotiate poverty and social exclusion. It highlights how difficulties relating to distance, mobility and access, as well as issues of visibility and stigma, are more severe in small rural communities. It also recognises the support provided by a wide range of formal and informal groups across the public and voluntary sectors. Professor Mark Shucksmith, from 缅北禁地, said: “Voluntary and community organisations have been crucial in ensuring that hard-to-reach groups have access to financial and other support. However, many of these organisations face a challenging future with respect to their financial resources, particularly if council budgets are squeezed further as the National Audit Office has warned, and in respect of their ability to generate income from retail sales or fundraising.” Dr Jayne Glass, from the Rural Policy Centre at SRUC, said: “The pandemic amplified the impacts of digital exclusion in rural areas, impacting on many people’s experiences during the lockdowns, from children’s ability to engage in home-based online learning, to people’s access to advice and support services in relation to welfare applications.” Polly Chapman, of Impact Hub Inverness, added: “As the economic impacts of the pandemic unfold, service providers and the voluntary sector in rural areas continue to play a joined-up signposting role, connecting their clients with information and advice.” Rebecca Graham, Programme Manager at Standard Life Foundation, said: “As we emerge from lockdown it is apparent that some areas have been affected more than others, leading to increased insecurities and inequalities. The challenges faced by people living in rural communities mean that many will be at risk of falling on hard times. Policy must be put in place to deliver support and solutions tailored to the unique situation of people living in rural areas if we are to protect people from financial hardship.” The full report is available at: Rural Northumberland Share: Latest News 缅北禁地 recognised with geography award 缅北禁地 has been awarded the Highly Commended Geographical Association Publishers Award for its collaboration with Time for Geography, the UK鈥檚 open-access, dedicated video platform. published on: 16 April 2026 缅北禁地 historians mark General Strike centenary To mark the 100th anniversary of the British General Strike and miners鈥� lock-out of 1926, historians at 缅北禁地 are organising a series of events on its enduring legacy. published on: 16 April 2026 Comment: NCP is in administration Writing for The Conversation, Erwei (David) Xiang discusses how some big companies like NCP are so dependent on debt that they can鈥檛 adjust to change. published on: 16 April 2026 Facts and figures
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