- Conference
- 2012 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 20 October 2011
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference is well aware of the cuts to services all over the UK and those particularly affecting women. Conference however recognises that cuts to services will affect those in rural communities even more acutely. It is acknowledged that services relied upon by those in urban areas, are even more valuable to those living in the country areas.
We have seen unprecedented cuts to our services to include transport, benefits, social services, support networks and of course the voluntary sector. These are felt all too much by those living in urban areas, but for those in rural areas, it is a lifeline for women that is severed for them.
Conference is aware that once these services are cut, they are seldom replaced, or a more expensive and less reliable service is put into its place. The government is stripping women in rural communities of their independence and their option to participate fully. They will have to travel further and wider to access the services that once were easily available to them.
Conference believes that women in rural communities are facing disproportionate higher cuts to services and suffer as the requirement for these are more wide ranging, and cost more money to support and to run.
Conference asks the National Women’s Committee, working with regional women’s committees and networks, including urging individual members to lobby Government ministers about the effect of cuts in rural areas, taking into special account how this specifically affects the health and well being of women and their families.