Did you know that around 250,000 people – 35% of Cambridgeshire’s population – live in rural areas? For these residents, daily life can bring unique challenges: limited public transport, fewer local services, patchy internet and higher costs for essentials like heating and housing. These barriers can make it harder for rural businesses to thrive, for families to access healthcare and for communities to stay connected and resilient. Rural poverty and isolation can often be hidden, with small pockets of deprivation scattered across the countryside, making it even more important that their needs are not overlooked.

That’s where rural proofing comes in. Rural proofing means making sure that policies, services, and funding decisions are assessed for their impact on rural areas, right from the start. It’s about not special treatment: ensuring that rural communities aren’t left behind by a “one-size-fits-all” approach. By considering rural needs at every stage – from defining the issue and gathering evidence, to delivery and evaluation – policy makers can avoid unintended consequences and create solutions that work for everyone. This process helps ensure that rural residents have fair access to opportunities, services & support and that rural economies and environments can flourish alongside urban areas.

Cambridgeshire ACRE is here to help. As the county’s rural expert, we advise leaders and service providers on rural impacts, offer up-to-date data and provide guidance on undertaking a Rural Communities Impact Assessment. Our team works closely with local authorities, health bodies and community groups to make sure rural voices are heard and rural needs are addressed in every decision.

If you’d like to talk to us about rural proofing a new policy, service or funding decision, we’d be delighted to work with you to ensure that rural voices are heard and that every community has the chance to thrive.

Contact us to discuss rural proofing.