12th February 2025
The ACT Rural Issues Survey closed in January and we are keen to share the results with you. Many of you told us that transport, housing and access to vital services are the biggest challenges of living in rural Cumbria. :contentReference[oaicite:0]
We're holding the first of several follow-up conversations online on Thursday 27 February at 7.30pm to share some of the detail and to think about what key campaign messages or approaches might be. We would love you to join us and help turn these survey results into useful next steps. :contentReference[oaicite:1]
We had 174 responses from a broad geographic spread across Cumbria. The survey highlighted:
- 160 respondents identified rural transport as a problem.
- 143 respondents identified rural affordable housing as a problem.
- 75 respondents identified rural poverty as a problem.
- 134 respondents provided comments on potential local solutions.
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Amongst many other issues raised, the most frequently mentioned were:
- Loneliness and isolation
- Access to health and GP services
- Access to other local services
- Local environmental concerns
- Sustainability and reducing carbon emissions
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The survey findings showed overwhelming concern about affordable housing and transport, with many respondents explaining how these issues affect daily life, employment opportunities and the long-term sustainability of rural communities. Poverty was seen as a more complex issue, often hidden from view and closely linked to housing costs, transport availability and the higher cost of living in rural areas. :contentReference[oaicite:4]
The purpose of the next stage of this work is to explore solutions and identify campaign messages that can help ensure rural voices are heard by decision-makers. We want to discuss the findings with communities, gather ideas and develop practical actions that can influence future policy and investment. :contentReference[oaicite:5]
Join us at the online event to hear more about the results, discuss priorities and help shape future campaigns on rural issues. Your experiences and ideas will help strengthen the case for action on the issues that matter most to rural Cumbria. :contentReference[oaicite:6]
For more information about ACT's Community Voice work and future engagement opportunities, please contact ACT or visit our Community Voice webpages. :contentReference[oaicite:7]
