Rural Poverty - Call for Action

The recent report of rural poverty makes grim reading and while some local conservatives have responded by trying to rubbish the messenger anyone who, like me, has knocked on doors in rural areas such as Ampton and Timworth and seen for themselves the problems such as housing conditions, lack of transport, and the isolation of communities will understand that the report underlines a problem that needs to be addressed rather than ignored.

Some will say it is easy to criticise in opposition, and they are right to make that point.

At the Full Council meeting on 1st July I called on the Chair of Policy Development to consider proposals I had put to him prior to the meeting. My proposals are based on practical solutions that can be carried out by your local Borough Council.

The Council have a Rural Action Plan. This does not address or resolve the problems highlighted in the Rural Deprivation in Suffolk Report. Currently the Council have no plans to address the problems highlighted!

They have decided to spend £6.37 million more on the public venue than the earlier budget of £10 million.

With over 2000 people in need Category A housing need in the Borough, serious problems in some rural areas, and no emergency provision in the Borough for those made homeless I don't think this Council have their priorities right!

I don't think they have their priorities right!