THE All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse has this week issued a call for evidence to establish the effects the cost-of-living crisis is having on countryside businesses and communities.

The inquiry will consider if rural areas are disproportionately affected by the economic situation, as well as considering what the longer-term political consequences will be for rural areas, and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impacts.

The APPG will seek both oral and written 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.

This new inquiry follows the report published earlier this year by the APPG, "Levelling Up The Rural Economy: an inquiry into rural productivity", which collated evidence from more than 50 industry bodies, charities, companies, campaign groups, academics and business leaders.

The report produced 27 key recommendations for policy makers to unlock £43bn GVA in the rural economy and to close the 18 per cent productivity gap compared to the national average.

The APPG is encouraging 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.

York Outer Conservative MP Julian Sturdy, 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.”

The Country Land & Business Association (CLA), which represents 28,000 farmers, land managers and rural businesses in England and Wales is supporting the inquiry.

President Mark Tufnell 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.

“With the subsequent cost-of-living crisis still developing, with increased fuel, fertiliser, energy and food prices all still rising, 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.”

To submit evidence, email ruralpowerhouse@cla.org.uk and indicate the area(s) you wish to answer. The closing date for evidence is November 25, 2022.