DEVON, UK – May 2025 – Members of Parliament are raising the alarm over growing health and infrastructure problems in rural Devon, warning that poor broadband and a crumbling NHS dental system are pushing residents to extremes — including resorting to do-it-yourself dentistry.
During a debate at Westminster, South Devon Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden said that unreliable internet access is cutting off residents from essential services and holding back local businesses. She strongly criticised Airband, a fibre broadband provider that significantly scaled back its expansion plans in rural Devon and Somerset last year.
“Airband promised to deliver, but was allowed to fail spectacularly across my constituency,” Voaden told MPs. “It is outrageous that a company like Airband is allowed to pick off the easy bits and then walk away when it comes to the more expensive parts of the contract.”
Airband had cited a business “restructure” as the reason for reducing its rollout plans.
Voaden described poor or non-existent signals across many rural communities and shared her personal struggle to stay connected.
“I had to install a satellite dish on my roof just to connect to a station in Italy for internet access,” she said. “Despite repeated promises from providers and government, progress has been minimal. We can go to space, but we can’t get online — it’s ridiculous.”
She stressed that dependable broadband is essential, especially for older residents who rely on online GP appointments, personal alarms, and emergency services.
Meanwhile, access to NHS dentistry has reached crisis levels, with some residents reportedly turning to “DIY dentistry” out of desperation. One in five people in the area are said to have taken matters into their own hands due to long waits or a complete lack of NHS dental care.
“This is simply not good enough,” said Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead. “The government and local Integrated Care Boards need to step up. Without a major overhaul of the dental contract and how NHS dentistry is managed, patients will continue to struggle for even the most basic care.”
Torbay Council Leader Steve Darling described the area as a “dental desert.” Echoing the concern, Voaden urged the government to make healthcare providers exempt from the “painful jobs tax” and take immediate action.
“We need urgent reform,” Voaden said. “The current situation in NHS dentistry is shameful, and the government must respond before more people are forced into dangerous self-treatment.”
The debate highlights growing disparities in rural healthcare and digital infrastructure — two issues that MPs argue are making daily life in Devon increasingly difficult for residents.
