8th January 2025
ACT is the rural and community charity for Cumbria. We champion rural and community issues and work towards a future where no one is disadvantaged by where they live. You can find out more about us and the work we do on our website. :contentReference[oaicite:0]
We are gathering views about access to, and affordability of, rural housing and transport. We are also asking about the opportunities and challenges around rural poverty. There is an option within the survey to add other issues that you think are important to your community. :contentReference[oaicite:1]
The results will be used to influence and inform campaigns and to help shape ACT's future work. All responses are anonymous. :contentReference[oaicite:2]
For the purposes of this survey, 'rural' means any community of 10,000 or fewer people. This includes most communities in Cumbria except Carlisle City and the town areas of Barrow, Kendal, Workington and Whitehaven. :contentReference[oaicite:3]
We will be running a series of online and face-to-face sessions to discuss the survey responses and explore the issues raised in more detail. If you would like to be involved, please email:
using the subject line Survey Sessions. :contentReference[oaicite:4]
The results of the survey will be shared through our newsletter and on our website. We encourage everyone with an interest in rural communities to participate and to circulate the survey through their own networks and contacts. :contentReference[oaicite:5]
The survey focused on three key themes:
- Rural transport and connectivity
- Affordable rural housing
- Rural poverty and cost of living challenges
Subsequent survey findings highlighted these as the most significant concerns facing respondents across rural Cumbria, alongside issues such as access to health services, loneliness and isolation, sustainability and local environmental concerns. :contentReference[oaicite:6]
Responses were requested by 13th January 2025. Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute and help ensure that rural voices are heard. :contentReference[oaicite:7]
