12/10/2020 - RSN Rural Economy Group Meeting

Date: 12th October 2020  
Subject: Rural Economy
Chair: Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council
Hosted: Online Event via Zoom

- To download the agenda and papers associated for this meeting, click here

- To download a copy of these learning outcomes click here

- To download a copy of the attendance and apologies lists click here


Learning Outcomes

Key issues highlighted by speakers

Professor Sharon Green, University of Lincolnshire
  • To assess what skills we will need in the future, we need to know what technology will be like
  • Covid-19 has changed the way business works – some of that change will stay
  • There are some barriers to apprenticeships – rural transport being a key issue
  • Pace of change is relentless; how do we ensure workers of future have the right skills?
  • Do companies and individuals fully understand the benefits of apprenticeships
  • Vocational education holds the key with hands on learning being critical

Download the presentation here


David Rodda MBE, Cornwall Council
  • 96% increase in claims for Universal Credit in Cornwall / 1 in 3 jobs is in the visitor economy in Cornwall
  • Impact is not uniform across the county which means policy response needs specific considerations
  • Recovery Plan has been about getting money to companies as quickly and efficiently as possible
  • Cornwall have a wide range of statistics so that they know what is happening in their area with up to date statistics focusing on the labour market and local economies
  • Have now developed plan for moving forward focusing on Respond, Reopen, Recover, Renew

Download the presentation here


Graham Biggs, Rural Services Network
  • Revitalising Rural Campaign due to be launched in Autumn articulating policy asks of Government in a number of key areas
  • Extensive consultation with membership of RSN
  • 16 key areas, should not be considered in isolation as different elements are vital to ensure sustainable rural communities
  • Document sets out the national policy context for each area along with key asks, sections most relevant to the Rural Economy include:
    • UK Shared Prosperity Fund
    • Local Enterprise Partnerships and Local Industrial strategies
    • Business Advice & Guidance

Download the presentation here


Saralyn Chaloner, Institute of Economic Development
  • Set out the Rural Opportunities Toolkit which is due to be launched in coming months
  • Aimed at uncovering issues preventing rural economies from gaining full recognition
  • Outlines megatrends and also identifies steps that can be taken to ensure rural economies remain in the economic narrative
  • Sets out different stages in the toolkit and information about how to collate the evidence base

Download the presentation here