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DEFRA plans to build stronger relationships with its partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Clare Moriarty – who has now spent just over two months as Defra permanent secretary – said it was a...
THE government has unveiled plans allowing local councils to retain £26bn of revenue from business rates. Proposals that the government says will promote growth and prosperity were unveiled by Chancellor George Osborne on Monday (5 October). The...
A long-awaited response is expected this autumn to a major report examining the impact of government policies on rural communities. Almost eight months has passed since the publication of an independent review examining how the government ensures rural...
MORE must be done to narrow the gap in spending power between rural and urban local authorities, the government has conceded. Rural residents often earn less than their urban counterparts yet pay more in council tax yet receive...
THE government has promised MPs it will take "full account" of the rural impact as it reviews business rates. It follows a Westminster Hall debate secured by Jake Berry, Conservative MP for Rossendale and Darwen, Lancashire. The...
THE government has published a discussion paper examining the future of rural communities. Industry, academic and voluntary sector experts explored the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities. It comes after civil servants were asked to look into...
TEN MPs have been appointed to a committee that will scrutinise the government's work on rural issues. The MPs were appointed to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee on Wednesday (8 July). ...
Defra minister George Eustice says his department is "considering the options" after being told to slash £83m in spending. Mr Eustice was responding to a parliamentary question from shadow Defra secretary Maria Eagle, who asked how the money...
Devon MP Neil Parish has been elected chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. Mr Parish, who represents the Tiverton and Honiton constituency , was the sole candidate nominated for the post. The former...
MPs returning to parliament after the general election have voiced concern for the future of rural services. Addressing the House of Commons on Thursday (28 May), Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers said the previous coalition government had done a lot...
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HOT TOPICS
Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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