Coronavirus crisis highlights rural-urban divide, says Shropshire MP
The coronavirus epidemic has exposed the divide between rural and urban communities, says a Shropshire MP.
Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, said the Government would need to tackle inequalities between towns and the countryside once the crisis is over.
Writing for parliamentary magazine The House, Mr Dunne said there needed to be a recognition of the difficulties faced by rural areas.
"From a concentration of jobs in key employers to a lack of connectivity, the coronavirus crisis has exposed starkly the rural-urban divide," he said.
"Whenever we are past this crisis, Government will need to look seriously at rural-urban inequalities."
Mr Dunne said during the pandemic, the curve of infection in rural areas trailed that seen in urban settings.
"This has given the NHS a bit more time to prepare," he wrote.
"But above-average elderly populations needing greater support, with fewer medical settings, greater sparsity and distance has increased pressure on clinicians and care workers."
Mr Dunne said he had been impressed by the way people had complied with social distancing guidance, with market towns being very quiet.
He also praised the level of public-spirited volunteering.
"With many rural communities being closely knit, good neighbour schemes have sprung up in towns and villages, often involving young people whose work or studies have been interrupted, volunteering for the first time," said Mr Dunne.
But he said people living in rural areas had been put at a disadvantage when it came to working from home.
"Rural areas have been slower in receiving broadband and even mobile phone connectivity, so the crisis is exposing real challenges," he said.
Feasible
"While home working is feasible for many jobs in urban areas, lack of connectivity still excludes too many in sparsely populated parts of the country.
"The obvious landscape attractions from spectacular topography and great views have a downside at times like this, in disturbing site lines for mobile phone masts.
"Fibre to the premises remains a pipe dream for most. While the introduction last month of a universal service obligation is welcome, government funding through the Shared Rural Network must be prioritised as we emerge from this crisis."
Mr Dunne said rural areas also had a disproportionate number of workers in essential roles.
"Hospitals and local authorities are often the largest employers in county towns," he wrote.
"A residential care home is frequently the largest employer in a village.
"Those in food supply chains are also properly categorised as key workers. So primary production on farms is continuing where possible, despite immense pressures in some sectors such as dairy, and others supplying the restaurant trade."
Mr Dunne said that as farmers entered the growing and harvest season, those who had previously relied on seasonal workers from Eastern Europe were now having to seek British labour.
"I hope they will prevent food waste by ensuring crops are picked when ready."
Pressure
He said that once the crisis was over, city dwellers who have not had the benefit of gardens or open space may seek to move to the countryside.
"If house prices decline in our cities, if people choose to move out, it may increase demand and prices in rural areas," he said.
"But I suspect this will only happen once the current inequality in connectivity speeds are overcome. It’s no fun holding a video meeting with blank or frozen screens."
Mr Dunne said one benefit that had come from the absence of traffic on rural roads was that it gave local authorities the chance to repair potholes.
He also voiced fears for the future of independent shops, as rural residents became used to home delivery services and online shopping.
"I fear for the future of our rural high streets, and survival of independent shops which have given so many their vibrancy," he said.
"The speed of the Government response, through grants and job retention schemes, recognises the pressure on smaller retailers, which should help some bounce back."
Mr Dunne added that he hoped a greener Britain would emerge from the lock down with less commuting and more cycling and walking to reduce emissions.
"We must ensure rural areas recover alongside urban areas, both in health and the economy," he said.
