Poverty 'blights 1m rural homes'

Almost one million households in rural England live in poverty, a study says.

The report, by the government's rural advocate, Stuart Burgess, says many people living and working in the countryside have prosperous lifestyles.

But the picture is "not so rosy" for more than 928,000 households with incomes below the official poverty line of £16,492, he adds.

It comes as the Rural Services Network warns little has been done to tackle longstanding rural problems.

Dr Burgess, who heads the Commission for Rural Communities, said: "Many people who live and work in rural England can enjoy a relatively healthy and prosperous lifestyle.

"However, the picture is not so rosy for all.

"A significant number of rural people are unable to share in this high quality of life, with over 928,000 rural households with incomes below the official poverty threshold."