The House of Lords Select Committee on the Rural
Economy has heard multiple times over the course of its inquiry,
that rural policy is not taken seriously enough across
Government, and that this prevents the rural economy from
reaching its full potential.
In its final evidence session On Tuesday 22nd
January, the Committee will question MP, Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and , Parliamentary
Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs, about the
Government’s vision for the rural economy.
The Committee will probe Defra on what it is doing to
support a thriving rural economy, including its approaches to
rural policy and the effectiveness of its “rural proofing” checks
on new policies.
The evidence session will begin at 11.30am in
Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords. Other questions the
Committee are likely to ask include:
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How can rural proofing be made more effective,
accountable and transparent?
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Defra has been criticised for paying too little
attention to rural affairs compared to the time and resources
it dedicates to agricultural and environmental issues. Is that
a fair criticism?
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How is Defra working with MHCLG to ensure that
Local Enterprise Partnerships deliver for rural economies,
particularly in their anticipated role leading on delivery of
the Shared Prosperity Fund?
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How is Defra working with DCMS to ensure that
hard-to-reach areas are prioritised for full fibre roll out and
5G mobile connections?
