RURAL communities, like the Forest of Dean, are often overlooked in a policy environment which is dominated by urban thinking and policy concerns.

Areas like ours face a number of challenges, including a higher proportion of older people, with the fastest growth in those aged over 85, higher living costs with soaring house prices, increased transport costs, expensive heating solutions and wages below the national average.

Increased delivery costs in rural areas of vital infrastructure such as mobile and broadband services, disadvantage both business and individuals, poor public transport can lead to difficulty accessing employment, skills, training, education and health services and can leave vulnerable residents more isolated.

The higher costs for service providers and local authorities of delivering services in sparsely-populated areas compared to urban areas, the ‘chocolate box’ perception of life in rural areas, hides real poverty and deprivation.

To create a thriving rural economy, there is a need for a digitally connected countryside, an affordable place to live, a fair deal on health and social care, a place to learn and grow, and a settlement to support rural action, including fair funding.

To date, the response from government has been disappointing, merely saying that it would expand on its strategic vision for rural areas.

However, despite this lack of commitment, it is vitally important that local councillors and those who seek to represent us in Parliament continue to campaign for the Forest.

No one should be disadvantaged because of where they live. – Cllr Richard Leppington, Cabinet member for Development, Asset Management and Infrastructure, Forest of Dean District Council.