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Rural Watchdog signals need to strengthen 'rural proofing' of Government policy

COMMISSION FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES News Release (CRC19/07) issued by The Government News Network on 27 November 2007

Government policy is still not adequately considering the needs of rural communities, according to a new report by the Commission for Rural Communities. The report, 'Monitoring rural proofing 2007' published today, shows that although there are some good examples of rural proofing, it is still not part of the day-to-day work of government departments.

The government has a clear commitment to 'rural proof' its policies and programmes. This involves considering their potential impact on rural areas, and where appropriate, adjusting them to better meet the needs and circumstances of rural people. This year's report draws on independent evidence gathered from those who make and deliver policy nationally and regionally. Policies considered ranged from schools' funding to the digital switchover.

Commenting on this year's report, Stuart Burgess Chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities and the government's Rural Advocate said: "Whilst there are some good examples of rural proofing, I am disappointed in the overall performance of government departments. Rural proofing is still not a routine part of policy development. Building the needs of rural communities into government policy and practice remains as important as ever. I have seen at first-hand the effect on families from the lack of affordable rural housing and how people in rural areas can miss out on vital services and support simply because of where they live.

"As the government's independent rural watchdog, monitoring progress with rural proofing is a key role for us and we take it very seriously. To do this effectively we need to identify what does and doesn't work to help bring about improvements. This report shows that whilst there are some good examples, there are not enough. The practice and process of rural proofing needs strengthening."

Crispin Moor, Whitehall Director at the Commission for Rural Communities added: "We are now embarking on a forward programme of work which will see rural proofing re-established and we will be working with government departments to do this. We are beginning the process of renewal of rural proofing today, taking soundings over the next three months. By developing a more focused and effective approach to rural proofing, all the people living and working in England's rural areas can get a fair deal from government policy."

Notes for editors:

1. Rural proofing was formally introduced by government in the Rural White Paper 2000. It was reinforced in the Rural Strategy 2004, which established a statutory role to monitor and report on how policy is developed and the extent to which those policies meet the needs of rural communities. This year's report is the second to be prepared by the Commission for Rural Communities and the sixth in the series.

2. 'Monitoring rural proofing 2007' CRC 52 / November 2007 and 'Evidence of the government's rural proofing of policies in 2006-7' prepared by GHK Consulting Limited can be found at:
http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/publications

3. James Paice, MP, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, has tabled a series of parliamentary questions to government departments asking about how they take rural proofing into account in their Public Service Agreement targets. Further information can be found at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/pahansard.htm

4. Information about the Commission for Rural Communities and its work can be found in its current Annual Review at: http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/publications/annualreview20062007