RURAL POVERTY

Early day motion 19, tabled 6 November 2007 by James Paice (Conservative). Signed by 65 members.

That this House notes with concern that one in five people live in poverty in rural areas and that nearly half of those in poverty are in working households; 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 encourage local opportunities as well as tackling rural disadvantage.

Signatures by party: Conservative 34, Liberal Democrat 13, DUP 6, Scottish National Party 6, Labour 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2.