THE government's rural statement, originally to be published in late spring, has been postponed until autumn.

The statement is intended to underline the government's commitment to promoting a prosperous rural economy and thriving rural communities.

Due to be published by Defra, it is due to show how the government is supporting rural areas.

The statement is also expected to show what the department is doing to champion rural interests across government.

It is expected to focus on three key areas - economic growth, quality of life and the sharing of best practice.

It will also detail how Defra's Rural Communities Policy Unit will promote rural needs.

After no statement emerged in late spring, many rural decision-makers had expected the statement to be published before Parliament broke up for the summer.

But a Defra spokesman said the statement was now due in the autumn.

Defra officials are continuing tp work with other departments, including the Treasury and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, in an effort to finalise the document.