Print

Country Life

Catherine Deshayes

Britain's country  villages are facing the brunt of prices increases, making that rural dream more expensive than living in the city  

Escaping the rat race and moving to a house in the country is a common dream.

However, recent research from MoneySupermarket.com has shown that longer commutes to work, remoteness from supermarkets and a reliance on oil heating have all placed huge financial pressure on countryside residents.

Britain's country villages have been most affected by price increases, as oil and food prices have risen sharply due to the credit crunch.

Clare Francis of MoneySupermarket, says, "Over five million households without gas are paying double what they were last year to heat their homes.

"This urban-rural divide, sadly, also extends to two of the other essentials of life - food and petrol or diesel.

"Having to travel up to 20 miles to the nearest supermarket typically adds £6 in fuel costs, so villagers are increasingly relying on the corner store.

"Of course, these shops can't buy in bulk like the major supermarkets so they have to charge more and they can't offer the same range of foods either," added Ms Francis.

Rising mortgage costs and the fall in availability of credit have also had an impact on rural life, although this has also been felt in urban areas.

"Reducing interest rates has done nothing to help homeowners - in fact mortgage rates have been going up despite the cuts. We are looking at rural ruin as prices soar," Ms Francis went on to say.