Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Dr
Thérèse Coffey): Earlier this year, with the publication of
Unleashing Rural Opportunity, the government set out its
roadmap for rural communities, including a range of measures
across four priorities for rural areas: growing the economy,
connectivity, homes energy, and rural communities.
On 1st October, I announced further measures to boost broadband
connectivity, transport and the supply of affordable homes in
rural areas.
The measures I announced include:
- A consultation on reviewing and updating the Broadband
Universal Service Obligation which already gives homeowners and
businesses the legal right to request an affordable, decent
broadband connection.
- A consultation on further proposals to improve broadband
provision for Very Hard to Reach Premises, which are unlikely to
receive a gigabit-capable connection via either a commercial or
government funded intervention. This will ensure communities with
the most limited connectivity experience a step-change in their
digital connectivity as soon as possible, fuelling the economy
and supporting jobs growth for decades to come.
- A statement from Homes England setting out its work to
support rural communities and families by enabling the delivery
of good quality, affordable homes. The statement includes case
studies of successful rural housing schemes currently operating
within Cornwall and the Yorkshire Dales.
- The publication of ‘Future of Transport: Helping local
authorities to unlock the benefits of technology and innovation
in rural transport’to help rural local authorities, their
communities, and other stakeholders to harness transport
innovation, helping to improve access to services, tackle
isolation and increase access to jobs in rural and remote areas.
Whether through improved connectivity, housing or transport we
are championing rural communities as we seek to grow our economy
– so that every part of our country gets the support and
opportunity to thrive.
