Rural areas - Ongoing challenges and managing change

Question 1

What are the ongoing challenges in rural areas where regeneration/rebranding is absent

Answer 1

Lack of investment in the area
Decline in employment opportunities
Lack of service provision
Out-migration especially of the younger population
Decline in newcomers to the area
Need to retrain the original population to use modern technology

Question 2

Managing change in rural communities associated with counter urbanisation and second home ownership

Answer 2

Limit the purchase of new-build homes to locals
Provide financial assistance to first-time buyers in rural areas
Use community land trusts to manage and provide affordable housing
Allow planning controls that limit the use of second homes and allow development
Increase taxation on second homes (reduced council tax already removed)