RURAL POVERTY

That this House notes with concern that 1.6 million people in rural areas live below the poverty line; recognises that poor access to transport, employment, health services, post offices and other services such as information technology can further isolate those who are most vulnerable, such as the elderly; and calls on the Government to ensure that central and local decision-making takes into account rural communities and that policies help to release the vast untapped potential of the rural economy as well as tackling rural disadvantage.