The NFU says a new, ambitious, revolutionary approach is needed
to ensure the Government’s levelling up agenda recognises the
value of rural Britain, after a roundtable1 hosted by
the thinktank Onward outlined the economic and societal gains to
be made.
Some of the key areas discussed and outlined in a collection of
essays included:
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Rural proofing: The underlying matter at the
crux of many rural challenges is how policy-makers account for
rural issues in their decision-making process. Contributors to
the discussion agreed that current rural proofing is not
sufficient due to its being siloed in one department. Instead,
the creation of a dedicated strategy was proposed and supported
by participants in order to ensure that rural matters are
considered from the outset.
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Broadband provision: Access to sufficient
mobile and broadband is key for future growth, but the
participants highlighted that it’s still far from universal.
Digital infrastructure must be extended if rural communities
are to level up. With the right funding for connectivity, rural
areas can deliver more green growth and jobs, benefit farming
businesses and the wider rural community, boost the national
economy and make producing quality, sustainable British food
easier.
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Investment in diversification: 65% of all farm
businesses in England run other enterprises such as farm shops,
camp sites, wedding venues and B&Bs, and rural businesses.
These businesses are extremely valuable to the social fabric of
our country as well as the economy, generating more than £740
million in 2019, and have the potential to deliver more.
Therefore, it is important that these businesses have clarity
as to their future access to funds.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “Currently, a lot of rural
communities feel they are being left behind. We need to ensure
that government policy – whether it’s affordable housing,
planning, health, education or transport – work well for
everyone, in urban and rural environments alike.
“Farming – and rural Britain – can provide solutions to many of
the challenges we face, from green growth and climate change
mitigation to improving the health and wellbeing of our nation by
the food we produce, while contributing more than £120 billion to
the national economy.
“And there is so much more rural Britain, and the farm businesses
that lie at its heart, can deliver for the nation. The
government’s levelling up agenda is an opportunity for a
revolutionary approach to rural Britain; one that maximises the
potential of a community which plays such a core role in our
national prosperity.”
, Onward’s
Deputy Director, said: “The Government has rightly committed to
increasing opportunity right across the country. Each area faces
different challenges. Ensuring that opportunities are increased
in rural areas as well as towns and cities will be crucial to
national success.
“A one size fits all approach would limit that success. Ministers
across government should address the sum of the challenges facing
rural Britain, from digital connectivity to skills and training
to infrastructure investment.”
-ends-
Notes to editor:
-
Read the summary of the
roundtable event here. The roundtable was held in May 2021,
hosted by Onward and supported by the NFU. The event was held
under the Chatham House Rule, so all comments are anonymised
and the discussion summarised. The report includes essays from
three MPs who attended.
