WIREDGOV

We welcome Action with Communities in Rural England’s (ACRE's) latest national survey of rural community buildings. Village halls and other community buildings are part of the essential fabric of rural localities and play an increasingly important part in the provision of vital services and facilities for the wider community.

They give greater empowerment to communities, and great credit is due to the unsung army of volunteers who donate so much of their free time to run village halls up and down the country in the absence of funding from local authorities.

The specific recommendations in ACRE’s report raise important issues about the future sustainability of community-owned and run buildings and highlights the increasing role government, at all levels, can play in supporting and nurturing this vital asset.

The Rural Community Action Network also plays a vital leadership role in coordinating and supporting community action and encouraging self-reliance amongst communities across rural England.