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Politics
THE government has unveiled its long-awaited Rural Statement, outlining its policies for the countryside. The document sets out the government's support for rural areas through a broad range of policies across government departments. It also highlights what...
JUNIOR Defra minister David Heath has pledged to work for a fairer deal for Britain's rural communities. The Liberal Democrat MP for the Somerset constituency of Somerton and Frome is set to start first full week as a...
THE new ministerial team at Defra has been urged to revitalise Britain's ailing rural economy. Newly appointed Defra secretary Owen Paterson should push through Defra's agenda for revitalising the rural economy, said the Country Land and Business Association....
STRONGER links between government departments are needed to ensure policies don't discriminate against rural communities, MPs have been told. The Rural Services Network made the recommendation in evidence submitted to the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee. ...
ACADEMICS will gather this month for a major conference to debate the future of rural policy. The 2012 Rural Policy Conference will be held on Thursday, 27 September, at Kingsholm Rugby Stadium, Gloucester. This year's event centres...
The government has unveiled proposals to change its funding formula to recognise the additional expense of providing services in rural areas. The move follows a campaign by the Rural Services Network, which has been at the forefront of...
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...
A NUMBER of MPs have been made parliamentary patrons of the Rural Fair Share campaign. The campaign brings together MPs from all parties, along with organisations, community groups, and individuals concerned about the welfare of rural communities. ...
THE government says it has no plans to increase the amount of time ministers can be quizzed by MPs on rural issues. The topic was raised in the House of Commons a year after the government reduced the...
SUPPORTING rural communities is included in three priorities outlined by Defra's Business Plan for 2012-15. Published by 10 Downing Street, the plan sets out Defra's priorities and reform, along with details of departmental expenditure. The full plan...
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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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