09 September 2019

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 (2 September -  8 September)

On Sunday 1, the Government announced new planning rules so that communities can see how housing developers contribute to the local area. Increased transparency will mean councils will be legally required to publish details of deals with housing developers so residents can see exactly how money will be spent investing in the future of their community.

On Friday 6, Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick MP announced the 100 towns that have been invited to develop proposals for the £3.6 billion Town Fund.

This week in politics (9 September -  15 September)

On Monday 9, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will hear evidence on whether the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is ready for Brexit. The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee will hear evidence on the long-term delivery of social and affordable rented housing. In the House of Lords, Peers will debate the commercial exploitation of peatlands. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Local Government will hold its AGM.

On Tuesday 10, the Lords’ Food, Poverty, Health and the Environment Committee will hold an evidence session with Government representatives. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Employment will hold its AGM, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Adult Social Care also meets.

On Wednesday 11, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee will hear evidence on coastal flooding in the UK and adaptation to climate change. Later, the Prime Minister will give evidence to the Liaison Committee. In the House of Lords, Lord Foster of Bath has tabled a debate on the Lords’ Rural Economy Committee report, ‘Time for a strategy for the rural economy’. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Economic Development meets to discuss the future of high streets and town centres.