All areas, all communities—indeed, all nations of the UK—deserve equal treatment, so it is vital that all levels of Government do their utmost to secure the investment and, where necessary, the policy reform to allow our rural communities to fulfil their potential.
Digital connectivity
Digital connectivity remains a tremendous challenge for the rural economy of Wales. Whilst we have seen vast improvements in broadband connectivity across Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire in recent years, there is much more to do.
Public transport
There are significant disparities between rural transport services in Wales and what is on offer in more urban areas.
Research carried out by Sustrans, the Wales Centre for Public Policy and the Bevan Foundation, shows that a lack of public transport contributes in a fundamental way to poverty in rural areas. It limits economic growth and it makes it far harder for people to access essential services.
Cuts to bus services across Wales, including the recent scrapping of the Fflecsi Bwcabus Service has dealt a huge blow to our rural communities, making many people more isolated, more vulnerable and without access to vital services.
Transport for Wales rail services along the Cambrian Line continue to be wholly unsatisfactory and a source of regular complaint and disruption to many travellers. It's unacceptable that the Cambrian Line always appears to be the part of the network that suffers most from unscheduled repair works and reductions to services. Transport for Wales should reprioritise their network improvements to give this vital transport link for Mid Wales the attention it so desperately requires.
Better supporting our rural communities’ connectivity, both digital and transport, is pivotal to securing the future and resilience of the Welsh rural economy.
Fairer funding package for public services
Wales desperately needs an economic strategy capable of providing adequate funding for its public services, reducing poverty, improving incomes and ensuring that we realise our potential contribution to the global effort of tackling climate change.
All areas, all communities—indeed, all nations of the UK—deserve equal treatment, so it is vital that all levels of Government do their utmost to secure the investment and, where necessary, the policy reform to allow our rural communities to fulfil their potential.
Much more can be done to consider the needs of rural communities and back initiatives in these areas to make sure no one is disadvantaged by where they live.