Rural citizens at greater risk of money troubles?

People who live in rural areas could be at an increased risk of money worries as it has been revealed that they tend to know less about their right to complain.

A study published in the Ombudsman News periodical has revealed individuals in such regions are unaware about what action they can take if they feel they have been financially misled.

The report cited reasons such as the type of work available in the countryside and reduced access to agencies and the internet to explain the disparity.

A spokesperson for the Financial Ombudsman Service said that the organisation “works closely with front-line consumer advice agencies and charities across the UK, but recognises that in some areas people have more limited access to these networks”.

The analysis found that much of the rural economy is based on low-paid employment, less skilled work and seasonal jobs, which could result in more unemployment and poverty in these regions.

By Joe Shervin