Rural And Coastal Communities Backed In Devolution Bill

The House of Commons has reinstated a key amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, introducing the addition of “rural affairs” and “coastal communities” to the areas of competence, for the new Strategic Authorities set out in the Bill.

The amendment, which aims to ensure that rural and coastal communities are fully considered within emerging devolved governance structures, has been strongly supported by the Rural Services Network, working closely alongside partners including the including Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Action with Communities in Rural England, Chartered Institute of Housing, The National Farmers' Union, among others.

Following its return to the House of Commons, the Government confirmed it will accept the inclusion of both “rural affairs” and “coastal communities” within the list of strategic competences. This reflects the strength of feeling expressed across Parliament and marks a significant step towards ensuring these areas are explicitly recognised within the new devolved framework.

The RSN welcome this progress. It represents an important milestone in ensuring that the needs and opportunities of rural and coastal communities are properly considered as devolution expands beyond predominantly urban areas. It also reflects the sustained, collaborative efforts of organisations who have worked together to ensure these communities are recognised at the heart of this legislation.

As the Bill now enters its final stages, continuing to move between both Houses as outstanding provisions are resolved, this inclusion remains subject to final agreement. However, it provides greater confidence that future strategic authorities will be expected to consider the full range of geographies they serve, including rural and coastal areas.

Stakeholders have consistently highlighted that, without explicit recognition, there is a risk that policy and investment decisions could remain overly urban-focused. Embedding rural and coastal considerations within the Bill helps to address this concern and supports a more balanced approach to growth, service delivery and investment across England.

Further detail on the amendment is available in a briefing from the RTPI, which can be accessed on their website here.