Plunkett UK and local campaigners in Cornwall called on the government to provide even stronger support for rural communities during an event at The Eden Project today.
Speaking at Anthropy 2026’s session, “How to build happier, healthier and wealthier places”, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – emphasised her commitment to provide more support for neighbourhoods across the UK and shift greater power into community hands.
She highlighted plans to invest in 300 areas over the next decade through the Pride in Place Scheme. However, in the panel discussion, representatives from rural Cornwall made clear that its communities feel overlooked and left behind.
Sam Fitch, from the Save The Stag community group in Ponsanooth – whose last remaining pub is under threat – shared how vital a community’s local assets are. He said, “A pub is so much more than a place to drink – it’s the heart of the village. There’s nowhere else where all ages and backgrounds can come together.”
“As we look to save The Stag, everyone is doing what we can and coming together – if we do that, we can move mountains. The support we have had from Plunkett has been amazing too.”
He warned that government programmes are not reaching the places most in need, saying: “Pride in Place is not delivering in Cornwall. None of the 300 communities are here. The impact on rural communities would be huge if they were to receive support.”
In response, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP said she was a strong advocate for rural communities, and pointed to the government’s plans to strengthen the Community Right to Buy powers within the forthcoming English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.
Harriet English, Deputy Chief Executive of Plunkett UK, highlighted the proven success of community-owned businesses in reviving rural places: “Rural community businesses are incredibly resilient – with a 98% survival rate after five years and 94% still thriving after 20 years. They bring people together, create warm and welcoming spaces, tackle loneliness and provide jobs and volunteering opportunities. They’re very special places.”
Plunkett is urging the government to invest £10 million over 10 years in a dedicated rural community ownership fund, to establish over 500 community-owned businesses including 300 local pubs with an estimated GVA of £264 million. The £10million we are seeking is the equivalent of half that being given to one urban community under the Pride in Place Scheme.
Harriet added: “Plunkett UK recognises the need to support all communities across the UK, and Pride in Place will be a boost for many neighbourhoods. However, we feel that rural communities are being overlooked, and will continue to work with the government to advocate that greater support is delivered to deprived rural communities. With the right investment, the impact could be transformative.”
From left to right: Sam Fitch, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Harriet English
