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“While the loss of an independent Commission is regrettable, the Secretary of State has recognised the need for decision makers across and beyond government to continue to receive expert advice about the impact of their policies on people who live and work in rural areas.  Thanks to the hard work and dedication of its staff and Commissioners, the CRC has come to be seen as an authoritative and constructive source of evidence, insights and practical rural solutions,” he added “We will do all we can to ensure those strengths are transferred to the new Rural Communities Policy Unit and that work on priority issues – such as broadband, affordable housing and transport – continues uninterrupted.”

CRC Chief Executive, Sarah McAdam, says: “Over the coming months, there will be much to do as we identify people and activities to be taken into the new unit and bring current CRC projects to a useful conclusion.  This will be a very difficult time for our staff, but it is a tribute to their commitment that the core of our work will continue.  We look forward to working closely with Defra officials and our stakeholders to ensure that the needs of rural communities continue to be properly taken into account at both a national and a local level.”

DEFRA news release

Written ministerial statement