Rural councils across the UK are facing increasing financial strain, as demonstrated by the alarming trend of selling public assets to cover revenue shortfalls. A recent BBC report reveals the extent to which some councils are resorting to selling off heritage sites, car parks, and even libraries to keep their budgets afloat. While the report primarily focuses on urban councils, rural councils often face even greater financial challenges.

Urban Challenges Reflect Rural Realities

The BBC report showcases the extreme measures some councils are taking to avoid financial collapse. Southampton City Council, for example, initially considered selling the 800-year-old Tudor House and Gardens, along with car parks and office buildings, to raise over £120 million. Other councils, like Birmingham and Thurrock, are also offloading assets to bridge budget gaps.

While these stories are concerning, they reflect a broader issue impacting rural councils. Rural areas receive less funding compared to urban counterparts, despite facing unique challenges like greater distances for service delivery and a higher proportion of aging populations. The financial pressures experienced by urban councils are magnified in rural settings, where the impact of reduced services can be more severe.

The Essential Lifeline of Libraries and Halls in Rural Communities

One significant concern is the loss of community spaces like libraries and halls. These assets provide essential lifelines for rural communities, offering spaces for education, socialisation, and community activities. Libraries, in particular, are more than just repositories of books; they are centres for digital literacy, cultural engagement, and local services. Rural councils that consider selling these assets are risking the very fabric of their communities.

Rural councils often rely on these community spaces to bring people together. Libraries can serve as hubs for internet access, crucial for rural areas with limited connectivity. Halls host events that strengthen community bonds, from local fairs to town meetings. When these assets are sold, it not only affects the council's ability to provide essential services but also undermines the social cohesion that defines rural life.

A Call for Fairer Funding

The Rural Services Network's "Winning the Rural Vote" campaign emphasises the need for a more equitable distribution of funding to rural areas. This campaign calls for policies that recognise the unique challenges faced by rural councils and ensure they receive adequate financial support. Fairer funding would allow rural councils to maintain essential services, preserve their cultural heritage, and keep critical community spaces like libraries and halls open.

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network The financial crisis facing urban councils serves as a stark reminder of the need for fairer funding across the board, especially for rural areas. The sale of public assets to cover revenue shortfalls is not a sustainable solution and can have long-lasting negative effects on communities. Rural councils require fairer funding to meet their unique needs and to maintain the quality of life for their residents. The Rural Services Network urges the government to address this funding disparity and work towards a more balanced approach. By supporting rural councils with fair funding, we can ensure they can continue to serve their communities without resorting to selling the "family silver"—the libraries, halls, and other community assets that connect and enrich rural life.