A new report setting out how to ensure government policy delivers
for rural communities has been published. The Future of Rural
England report, drafted by the Rural Taskforce, has
identified six themes critical to thriving, inclusive and
sustainable rural communities: economic growth and productivity;
infrastructure and housing; skills and education; health and
wellbeing; safety and community resilience; and connectivity.
A new cross-government board will put rural needs at the heart of
major policies to help unlock rural potential, with annual public
reporting on progress, marking a decisive shift to proactive,
joined-up working across government.
With more than half a million small and medium-sized businesses
driving manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and renewable energy,
rural England contributes over £259 billion to the economy and
potential for growth is huge.
Yet rural communities have long been held back by a unique set of
challenges: from transport and digital connectivity barriers to
hidden health inequalities and a lack of affordable housing. The
report was commissioned to change this. It recommends a more
proactive approach that places rural communities at the centre of
decision-making, embedding rural proofing across government. This
ensures all departments systematically assess real-world impacts
on rural communities in policy and investment decisions, so they
achieve their intended outcomes for the 9.7 million people who
call rural England home.
Environment Secretary said:
Rural England already contributes more than £259 billion to our
economy, is home to over half a million businesses, and has huge
potential for further growth.
As Secretary of State responsible for rural affairs, I am leading
a cross-government approach to ensure that rural voices are not
an afterthought but help shape policy across government.
CLA Deputy President Joe Evans said:
The CLA welcomes today's Future of Rural England report and its
focus on embedding rural proofing across government. Only through
a joined-up approach, with departments working together, can the
full potential of the rural economy be unlocked.
The challenge now is turning these recommendations into action.
That means delivering affordable rural housing, improving digital
connectivity and transforming our approach to planning so that it
becomes an enabler, as opposed to a blocker.
As devolution is rolled out, government must also ensure rural
communities are not left behind. Getting this right is
fundamental to closing the productivity gap, unlocking billions
of pounds of economic growth and creating a thriving countryside.
Chief Executive of Action with Communities in Rural
England (ACRE), Corinne Pluchino said:
ACRE welcomes the Future of Rural England Report' and was pleased
to contribute to the Rural Taskforce, which provided a valuable
forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing rural
communities across government. The report sets out clear actions,
and we welcome the clear commitment to measure delivery and
increase accountability, including a cross-government board to
review the effectiveness of rural proofing and new metrics to
monitor the sustainability and resilience of rural
communities.
We are also pleased to see the commitment to ensure that rural
communities can engage with and benefit from the plans for
devolution. ACRE and the ACRE Network look forward to working
with Defra and across Government to make sure these actions lead
to tangible improvements for rural England, so local communities
have the services and resources they need to secure equitable
outcomes for everyone, and particularly those in greatest need.
This government is committed to not leaving rural England behind
with a clear goal of well-connected communities that feel
supported to reach their full potential, with access to
opportunities and public services they can rely on, and the
confidence to plan and invest for the future.
The approach is already delivering results on the ground: 17.2%
of public electric vehicle chargers in England and Wales are now
located in rural areas, closely matching the rural share of the
population and ensuring no community is left behind as the
country transitions to cleaner transport.
Secretary of State is marking the publication at
the Great Yorkshire Show today (Thursday 16 July), meeting with
the Country Land and Business Association, one of the rural
organisations whose insights helped shape it.
