17 Jul 2026
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has responded to the publication of Defra’s Future of Rural England Report, having contributed to the Rural Taskforce which informed the development of the report.
Bringing together government departments and organisations from across the rural sector, the Rural Taskforce was established to identify the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities and businesses, helping to ensure rural considerations are embedded much earlier in policy development.
The RSN recognises the report as an important milestone in strengthening the cross-government approach to rural policy. In particular, it welcomes the commitment to establish a new cross-government Rural Board, bringing together senior officials from across Whitehall to oversee rural proofing, alongside the introduction of clearer measures, metrics and annual reporting to strengthen accountability and monitor progress on rural priorities.
These commitments have the potential to improve how rural considerations are embedded across government and how outcomes for rural communities are measured over time.
The report also reinforces the important contribution that rural communities make to the nation’s economy, environment and society, recognising that thriving rural areas are essential to the UK’s future prosperity.
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network: 
The Rural Services Network was pleased to contribute to the Rural Taskforce and to work alongside government and partners in helping to shape this report.
It is encouraging to see a renewed commitment to embedding rural considerations across government, supported by stronger governance, improved data and greater accountability. The establishment of a cross-government Rural Board and a clearer framework for measuring progress are particularly positive developments.
This provides an important foundation for ensuring rural communities are consistently considered in national policymaking. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with government and partners to help turn these commitments into practical action that delivers positive outcomes for rural communities.
