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The delivery of public services for which Defra is responsible
will be shaken up to line up with the coalition Government’s
commitments on service delivery, Environment Secretary Caroline
Spelman said today.
Mrs Spelman announced that, as part of the review of Defra’s arms
length bodies, the Commission for Rural Communities will be
abolished, with a strengthened Rural Communities Policy Unit
within Defra.
Mrs Spelman said:
“With an urgent need to drive down debt and reduce Government
spending we will have to make some tough decisions. Our belief is
that policy should be driven from the centre and that our arms
lengths bodies will be efficient and effective in meeting customer
needs.
“We are committed to improving the quality of life for those
living in rural areas and we will put the fair treatment of rural
communities at the centre of Government.
“Focusing rural policy making within the department will give
rural communities and interest groups a direct link to central
policymakers and a stronger champion for rural issues at the heart
of Government.
“I pay tribute to the commitment and the quality of work
undertaken by the Commission for Rural Communities, its staff,
Commissioners and Chairman, the Rev Dr Stuart Burgess CBE, over
the past four years.”
Mrs Spelman also announced that Animal Health and the Veterinary
Laboratories Agency would be merged as soon as possible.
“These two agencies both work to combat animal diseases, and by
bringing together their services, expertise and scientific
capability, we will improve our resilience and create a strong
organisation that provides a range of services from on farm advice
and emergency response to the world-class laboratory work and
science for which we are rightly recognised.”
It is intended that the forthcoming Public Bodies (Reform) Bill
announced in the Queen’s Speech will provide the legislative
vehicle under which the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC)
will stop operating.
In the interim, the CRC senior management team will provide a
smooth transition back into central Government. In due course,
there may be opportunities for some key existing CRC staff to join
the Rural Communities Policy Unit in order to minimise the loss of
experience. Together with staff already in the Department
supporting Ministers on rural policy, these will form a new team
to work across Government and beyond.
The merger of Animal Health and VLA will go ahead shortly, with
as little disruption to staff and customers as possible. A single
Chief Executive for the new agency will be appointed this summer.
Notes for editors
1. The Commission for Rural Communities was established in 2006,
and currently has an annual budget of £5.8 million.
2. The rural team in Defra will be strengthened, to improve the
existing policy work of the department. Its main functions will be:
• supporting ministers;
• acting as a centre of rural expertise;
• championing rural needs and issues across government
departments and
other bodies; and
• Working with the civic sector to promote rural solutions at the
local level.
3. Further information is available at http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/2010/06/29/wms-alb/.
Contacts:
Defra Press Office
Phone: 020 7238 6600
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Penny Fox
Phone: 020 7238 6094
penny.fox@defra.gsi.gov.uk