Stuart Anderson MP Demands Action to Close Rural Productivity Gap in Budget
Stuart Anderson MP has urged residents and businesses across South Shropshire to share their priorities for the rural economy ahead of Chancellor John Healey MP’s first Budget on 28th October 2026.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised to deliver growth in every postcode. Yet the government’s own data confirms that productivity in rural areas lags significantly behind the national average. Labour’s tax hikes on family farms and rural businesses have fuelled a crisis of confidence in the rural economy with recruitment and investment put on hold. When Chancellor John Healey MP delivers his first budget on 28th October, he must act to close the rural productivity gap and ensure rural communities like South Shropshire are given the chance to thrive again. I encourage residents and businesses to share their priorities for the rural economy via HM Treasury’s portal.”
Chancellor John Healey MP has promised his first Budget will be one that “moves money and power out of Westminster and into every postcode around Britain.” Stuart has warned that rural areas are not being fairly served by the Labour government, despite their enormous potential to deliver on that pledge. He says people in South Shropshire feel left behind when it comes to infrastructure and investment compared to big cities. Government figures published recently on the future of rural England show the scale of what is at stake. Rural communities are home to 9.7 million people and more than half a million small and medium-sized businesses. They contribute over £259 billion annually to the economy.
However, productivity in rural areas is just 82% of the England average excluding London — and the gap has been widening in recent years. The report identifies barriers including access to finance, skills, and connectivity as key reasons for underinvestment. It states that closing this gap will be essential for national growth and improving living standards. Since his election, Stuart has consistently championed the needs of rural communities like South Shropshire. This includes supporting initiatives to unleash rural prosperity, enhancing public services in rural areas, investing in infrastructure including roads and broadband, championing our farmers and food producers, supporting local communities and high streets, and protecting the countryside including Shropshire Hills.
HM Treasury has launched a Budget Representation Portal where residents and businesses can submit comments for consideration in the Budget. The portal will close on Wednesday 9th September 2026. Stuart has said he wants to ensure the Budget delivers for rural communities and takes urgent action to close the rural productivity gap. Residents and businesses can complete the survey at www.gov.uk/government/news/budget-to-move-power-and-money-out-of-westminster-and-into-every-postcode-around-britain.
