NALC attends DEFRA roundtable on rural access

This week, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) was invited to participate in a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) ministerial roundtable.

Cllr David Francis, from the Northumberland Association of Local Councils and the chair of NALC’s Policy Committee, attended an online meeting hosted by Trudy Harrison MP, the minister responsible for rights of way and access to nature.

The online meeting discussed what more could be done to create and promote active travel links between rural communities and improve their access to their surrounding countryside.

Cllr Francis said local (parish and town) councils must not be overlooked in promoting and developing active travel, often as part of a climate change agenda and through neighbourhood planning. Wider support for local councils, including new powers, was proposed. 

NALC has followed up to seek further direct engagement with DEFRA.

Contact NALC at  if you have examples and ideas for our engagement with DEFRA.