Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment his Department has made of (a) how widespread social exclusion is in rural areas and (b) the effect of his Department’s policies on social exclusion in rural areas.

The main levers by which to address social exclusion in Scotland lie within the devolved competence of the Scottish parliament. However, my office regularly discuss these matters with other government departments, devolved bodies and stakeholders.

Additionally, the cross-government team on tackling loneliness are working with colleagues in the Devolved Administrations to ensure our work is complementary and to share insights and learn from one another.