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<p>There is no gap in median earnings between those living in rural and urban areas.
Indeed, on a residence basis, in 2019 median gross annual earnings of £24,300 in predominantly
rural areas were on a par with those in predominantly urban areas excluding London,
which were £24,200.</p><p>Government policy is based on economic prosperity and helping
people out of poverty wherever they live. The National Living Wage was increased by
6.2% to £8.72 per hour from 1 April 2020, above inflation and average earnings. Rates
for younger workers were also increased. These increases were estimated to raise the
pay of over 2 million workers across the UK.</p><p>Universal Credit promotes work
as an effective route out of poverty. The Government has made significant investment
to improve Universal Credit through the reduction in the taper rate from 65% to 63%
in 2017, and an extra £1.7 billion a year put into Work Allowances by 2023/24, increasing
them by £1,000 a year for working parents and disabled claimants from April 2019.
This has put an extra £630 a year in the pockets of 2.4 million of the lowest paid
households.</p>
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