EXMOOR campaigner James Wright has expressed ‘deep concern’ at the impact on people living in the countryside of a Government decision to abolish £14million of funding for Somerset and Devon councils next year.

The Government has said it is scrapping the Rural Services Delivery Grant (RSDG) which provides £110 million of support to councils across England and has been a lifeline for rural communities which face higher costs of delivering essential services in sparsely populated areas.

Farmer James Wright, who is chairman of the South West Conservative Rural Forum, said: “Labour’s decision to scrap vital funding risks leaving rural communities out in the cold.

“Rural councils face unique challenges that metropolitan areas simply do not, from maintaining extensive road networks to supporting aging populations in isolated areas.

“The RSDG was recognition of these extra costs, and its removal is a step backwards.

“This is not just about budgets, it is about people.

“It is about ensuring rural families, businesses, and communities are not left behind.”

RSDG was introduced in 2013 by the Conservative-led Government and was used to fund services such as public transport, social care, and road maintenance.

Its abolition could result in budget shortfalls, forcing councils to cut services or increase council tax, placing additional burdens on rural residents who already face higher living costs.

Mr Wright said: “Devon and Somerset councils cover the largest road network in the country and yet they are often overlooked.

“This decision risks leaving rural residents paying more for less.”