Rural Lives: understanding financial wellbeing in rural England

Rural Lives: understanding financial wellbeing and vulnerability in rural Britain.

These two events discuss the Rural Lives research project which has investigated the wellbeing of people and families in rural areas, focusing in particular on peoples' ability to meet their financial commitments and needs comfortably – having enough income to meet more than life’s essentials and to deal with unexpected financial shocks. Recent research shows that half of all rural residents fell into poverty at some time during 1991-2008, while the Financial Conduct Authority found in 2018 that more than half of rural residents exhibit financial vulnerability. This research asked how peoples' wellbeing may be changing, for better or worse, and why. The research also explored what sources of support are available in rural areas to help those in need, including jobs, state, voluntary and community organisations, and friends and family. We hope that discussing these findings will help policies to improve wellbeing in rural areas. This research was led by Professor Mark Shucksmith of Newcastle University, working with Jane Atterton and Jayne Glass of SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) and Polly Chapman of Impact Hub Inverness. The work is funded by the Standard Life Foundation.

Event 1 (in Scotland), hosted by John Scott MSP: Monday 22nd March, 10am -12pm.

The main findings and recommendations of the research will be summarised, with short responses from rural stakeholders and politicians from across the political parties. This will be followed by a panel discussion with Q&A.

Confirmed speakers include: John Scott MSP and members of the research team. More to be announced.

Event 2 (in England), in partnership with the Rural Coalition: Tuesday 23rd March, 1-3pm

Following an introduction from the Bishop of Sta Albans (President of the Rural Coalition), the main findings and recommendations of the research will be summarised, with short responses from rural stakeholders, including ACRE, RSN and other members of the Rural Coalition. This will be followed by a panel discussion with Q&A, chaired by Mubin Haq (Chief Executive of the Standard Life Foundation).

Confirmed speakers include: Bishop of St Albans, Mubin Haq, Graham Biggs (RSN), Jeremy Leggett (ACRE), James Alcock (Plunkett Foundation) and members of the research team. More to be announced.

Further details about the research may be found at: https://www.rurallives.co.uk/about.html