The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched an initiative that will look into the challenges facing people who live and work in rural places across the UK. The ‘Remote Communities Project’ hopes to improve the OFT’s understanding of consumers and businesses and is calling for evidence from the public to help them.
North East MSP, Nanette Milne, has welcomed the project, encouraging local rural residents to make their views heard by giving evidence to the OFT. Rural communities often have to face higher food and fuel prices, and are forced to travel long distances to access vital services.
She said, “There are many unique factors that affect consumers and businesses in the North East. I hope that this project will help alert the OFT to the problems they face.
“The prices of many goods and services can be a lot higher in remote communities with the variety of choice also very restricted. This is in addition to the often expensive fuel prices they have to pay. When residents often have to travel large distances just to get to school or work this is a particular concern.
“There is also an issue regarding the accessibility of vital services such as doctors surgeries and chemists, with those living in remote communities often having to face a long drive to reach them.
“I hope that this consultation will offer people in the North East a chance to have their views and opinions heard. I would encourage any rural resident to let the OFT know of their views. This can be done by either visiting the OFT’s website or by e-mailing them at [email protected].