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