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Skipton MP raises concerns over pressures facing rural communities

Thursday, 8 January 2026 08:23

Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon MP)

The MP for Skipton and Ripon, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, has spoken in Parliament about what he described as increasing pressures on rural communities across North Yorkshire.

Speaking during an Opposition Day debate on rural communities, he highlighted the specific challenges faced by areas such as North Yorkshire, including sparse infrastructure, dependence on small businesses and hospitality, and long-standing pressures on farming and local services.

He outlined a number of recent policy changes, which he said are having a combined impact on rural areas.

These included changes to farm taxation, additional employment regulations affecting small businesses, the removal of some rural services grants, and adjustments to local government funding arrangements.

Sir Julian also drew attention to rising costs for pubs and hospitality venues, particularly through business rates valuations.

He said these venues play an important role in rural communities by providing employment, acting as social hubs, and supporting community life.

During the debate, Sir Julian called for a review of business rates valuations, a reassessment of local government funding settlements, and the introduction of what he described as a “cumulative impact test” to assess how future policies may affect rural communities.

He argued that such measures would help ensure that rural areas are not disproportionately affected by national policy decisions.

Sir Julian’s comments were made as part of a wider parliamentary discussion on the future of rural communities across the UK.

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