Lead Partner: Benefits take up in rural areas
Description
In ‘Social Exclusion in Rural Areas: A Review of Recent Research’ Professor Mark Shucksmith explores a range of factors that might lead individuals or households into poverty. We have found his examination of the reasons for low -levels of benefit take up by older people in rural areas to be very helpful: For older people, who form the largest group experiencing low income in rural areas, receipt of welfare benefits is of crucial importance. However there is clear evidence that take-up rates are lower in rural areas (Bramley et al. 2000), and that there is a pressing need for better access to information and advice about state benefit entitlements. The study of disadvantage in rural Scotland (Shucksmith et al. 1994, 1996) found that the uptake of benefits was much lower than would have been expected, given the low incomes of many respondents. Respondents were often confused about the benefits that were available and their entitlement. Access to advice in urban centres was problematic, with benefit offices seen as highly intimidating quite apart from the social stigma of claiming. Other studies have confirmed these findings.
The culture of independence and self-reliance in rural areas would appear to be an important factor mitigating against the collection of state benefits. Individuals were reluctant to claim benefit, seeking instead a second or third job, or preferring to live a more spartan existence.
Apart from culture, there is a lack of anonymity in collecting benefits (usually at the village post office) and a greater distance to, and general paucity of, information and advice about eligibility for benefits. Social housing is lacking in rural areas, whereas in urban areas it offers an effective channel for information on benefits and rights to reach those eligible for state support. There is therefore a considerable challenge in attempting to increase the uptake of benefit entitlement in rural areas. Equally, improved uptake could make a powerful impact on poverty in rural areas.
Contact Details
Website: www.defra.gov.uk/rural/pdfs/research/social_excl_lit_review.pdf