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Government publishes the second report on rural proofing
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published its second report on rural proofing.
The policy paper Delivering for rural England – the second report on rural proofing summarises progress against the five key priorities in the first report and examines government action to support the rural economy and rural communities. It includes the government's Levelling Up the United Kingdom white paper and the challenges of the current economic climate. The report also announced a £110m Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Commenting on the report's publication, Cllr Keith Stevens, NALC chair, said: "It is good to see the government through this second report on rural proofing recognise local (parish and town) councils as the backbone of communities. Strengthened local leadership through local councils with diverse funding, and by building their capacity and capability, can empower rural and urban communities and help them to level up.
"The forthcoming neighbourhood governance review promised by the government in the levelling up white paper provides the ideal opportunity to do just that. It will mobilise and support hyper-local action by local councils to help tackle the significant challenges facing our country, from climate change to the cost-of-living crisis, from health to housing and more. I am urging the government to press ahead with this review as urgent.
"Extra investment to rural communities through the new Rural England Prosperity Fund is welcome. Its delivery must ensure local councils can access this funding to help them address their areas' challenges and boost prosperity and pride in place."