Farming UK reports that a cross-party group of MPs and peers has launched a new inquiry that wants to explore ways to boost the UK rural economy post-pandemic

The inquiry will explore why rural productivity is 18 percent below the national average and identify solutions to help bridge the divide.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Business will focus on digital connectivity, the planning system, land use, rural skills and the tax system.

The APPG is seeking written evidence from the rural economy, including from the farming sector, and will run oral evidence sessions throughout the year. Julian Sturdy MP, who will co-chair the inquiry, said it was 'critical' to understand why this productivity disparity existed between urban and rural areas.

The Country Land & Business Association (CLA), which is supporting the inquiry, said that closing the rural productivity gap would add £43 billion to the UK economy, in turn creating hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs.

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Farming UK - MPs launch inquiry seeking ways to boost rural economy