A cross party group of MPs has launched a new inquiry into the cost-of-living crisis affecting farming businesses and rural areas.
The inquiry aims to establish the effects the cost-of-living crisis is having on businesses and communities in the countryside, including agri businesses.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse has issued a call for evidence.
The UK is in a cost-of-living crisis, with inflation currently at 9.9%, leading to a considerable financial squeeze on consumers and businesses.
Rural areas face inherent inequalities such as sparsity which makes the cost of living more expensive on average, as well as being less productive with lower wages and higher house prices.
The inquiry will look at the impact of the cost-of-living crisis to consider if rural areas are disproportionately affected by the economic situation.
It will also consider what the longer-term political consequences will be for rural areas, and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impacts.
The APPG seeks evidence which will feed into a report to be published in early 2023 and will investigate four key themes: general impact on business and consumer; employment; housing; and energy.
The new inquiry follows a report published earlier this year by the APPG, which collated evidence from over 50 rural industry bodies, charities and companies.
The report produced 27 key recommendations for policy makers to unlock £43bn GVA in the rural economy and to close the 18% productivity gap compared to the national average.
The APPG encourages all stakeholders in the rural economy to contribute in order to produce the most detailed and comprehensive report into countryside businesses and rural communities yet.
Julian Sturdy MP (York Outer), co-chair of the APPG said: “This inquiry couldn’t be more timely. To understand the true effects of the cost-of-living crisis on rural communities, we need to hear from businesses and individuals alike.
“I strongly encourage anyone with any interest in the countryside, its businesses and communities to submit evidence to this report to ensure we build the most accurate picture possible to present to the government.”
Lord Cameron of Dillington, co-chair of the APPG, said the government initially left out the needs of the countryside in their plan to level up the country.
“We must do everything we can to make sure that rural communities are not ignored by policy makers this time, as we face increasing hardships for rural businesses and families.”
The Country Land & Business Association (CLA), which represents 28,000 farmers, land managers and rural businesses, is one group supporting the inquiry.
Mark Tufnell, president of the CLA, said rural businesses and communities have faced many crises over the last few years.
"During the pandemic, it was the rural economy which successfully kept the nation fed during a time of unprecedented challenges," he said.
“The time is now to investigate the real impact that these challenges are having on not just businesses but for everybody who’s life is tied to the countryside.
“The CLA has a broad range of members with incredibly varied enterprises across all aspects of the rural economy, and we will be strongly encouraging as many of our members as possible to submit evidence to this very important new inquiry.”
The closing date for evidence is 25 November 2022.
