28 September 2020

Below is an RSN review of last week's rural related politics as well as a look forward to the week ahead:

Last week in politics (21 September - 27 September)

On Monday 21st September, the Government announced an extension of the £5,000 grant scheme available to homes and businesses affected by flooding last winter.

On Tuesday 23rd September, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP (Con) gave a speech on planning for the future at the Creating Communities Conference 2020, where he proposed the Government’s reforms to the housing system, including the introduction of the National Infrastructure Levy which promises to simplify the system, making the process more streamlined and transparent.

On Thursday 24th September, the latest edition of the Rural Economic Bulletin was published, alongside the Statistical Digest of Rural England setting out the most current data available for a selection of economic indicators for rural and urban areas. The Government also announced the Job Support Scheme, designed to protect viable jobs in businesses who are facing lower demand over the winter months due to COVID-19, The scheme will be available to small and medium sized firms, whilst larger employers will only be covered if their turnover has gone down. Additionally, he confirmed that the temporary cut in VAT for hospitality and retail businesses will be extended until 31st March 2020. The Chancellor also announced the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant will be extended on similar terms to support?viable traders?who are facing reduced demand over the winter months. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced that pubs, bars, and restaurants throughout England will be forced to close at 10pm from Thursday. In addition, he will advise people to ‘work from home if they can’.

On Friday 25th September, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP (Con) announced that 100 towns in England will be given up to £1 million to kick-start regeneration projects. New restrictions were also brought in for Wigan, Stockport, Blackpool and Leeds to help curb infection rates as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

From Monday 28th September, people in England will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

This week in politics (28 September - 4 October)

• On Monday 28th September, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on adult social care and on devolution will meet.
• On Tuesday 29th September, the Economic Affairs Committee will host an oral evidence session on employment and COVID-19.
• On Wednesday 30th September, there will be an adjournment debate on flooding preparedness in Yorkshire. The Women and Equalities Committee will also host an oral evidence session on the impact of COVID-19 on children’s education.
• On Thursday 1st October, the Westminster eForum will be hosting an online conference entitled ‘Taking forward the Shared Rural Network - funding and practicalities, collaboration and coordination, and priorities for policy and regulation’. Interested parties can confirm a place here. The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee will also host an oral evidence session on post-pandemic economic growth, focused on levelling up - local and regional structures and the delivery of economic growth.