Menu
21/07/2004
Beckett outlines 'radical agenda' for rural communities
A radical agenda designed to deliver "genuinely sustainable reforms" for rural communities and the countryside have been presented to Parliament today.
The strategy will see an increase of £27 million in the funding Defra provides to the Regional Development Authorities (RDAs), from £45 million to £72 million next year.
The government's Rural Strategy 2004 sets out three key priorities on: supporting enterprise across rural England, but targeting greater resources at areas of greatest need; tackling social exclusion wherever it occurs and providing fair access to services and opportunities for all rural people; and protecting the natural environment for this and future generations.
Launching the strategy, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett, said: "I will devolve decision-making and funding for economic regeneration to the RDAs to allow decisions to reflect better the needs and pressures in each region.
"This would involve joined-up partnership working closer to the front-line with the most appropriate local organisations - local authorities, voluntary groups or social enterprises," she said.
Defra will create a "small and well-focussed" New Countryside Agency by next April to act as an expert 'watchdog' and advocate on behalf of rural communities, particularly the disadvantaged.
"I am establishing an Integrated Agency to deliver our policy objective of a healthy countryside valued and used in a sustainable way," she said.
(gmcg)
The strategy will see an increase of £27 million in the funding Defra provides to the Regional Development Authorities (RDAs), from £45 million to £72 million next year.
The government's Rural Strategy 2004 sets out three key priorities on: supporting enterprise across rural England, but targeting greater resources at areas of greatest need; tackling social exclusion wherever it occurs and providing fair access to services and opportunities for all rural people; and protecting the natural environment for this and future generations.
Launching the strategy, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett, said: "I will devolve decision-making and funding for economic regeneration to the RDAs to allow decisions to reflect better the needs and pressures in each region.
"This would involve joined-up partnership working closer to the front-line with the most appropriate local organisations - local authorities, voluntary groups or social enterprises," she said.
Defra will create a "small and well-focussed" New Countryside Agency by next April to act as an expert 'watchdog' and advocate on behalf of rural communities, particularly the disadvantaged.
"I am establishing an Integrated Agency to deliver our policy objective of a healthy countryside valued and used in a sustainable way," she said.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 May 2003
Countryside Agency warns ‘digital divide’ widening
Rural businesses are being thwarted by a lack of access to high-speed telecommunications, warns the Countryside Agency. A report published today by the agency has raised concerns about the widening divide between town and country on the high-tech front.
Countryside Agency warns ‘digital divide’ widening
Rural businesses are being thwarted by a lack of access to high-speed telecommunications, warns the Countryside Agency. A report published today by the agency has raised concerns about the widening divide between town and country on the high-tech front.
19 January 2005
Rural research receives million pound boost
The Department of Enivronment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced a million pound boost for science and research in rural England.
Rural research receives million pound boost
The Department of Enivronment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced a million pound boost for science and research in rural England.
17 May 2006
Rural housing crisis can be solved, says report
Rural communities need a major increase in subsidised housing, if the next generation is not to be priced out of the countryside, according to the independent Affordable Rural Housing Commission in its report to Government launched today. The report sets out practical actions that should be taken if this affordable housing is to be built.
Rural housing crisis can be solved, says report
Rural communities need a major increase in subsidised housing, if the next generation is not to be priced out of the countryside, according to the independent Affordable Rural Housing Commission in its report to Government launched today. The report sets out practical actions that should be taken if this affordable housing is to be built.
04 April 2006
Rural elderly figures 'soaring'
The number of older people living in the English countryside is increasing at a much faster rate than the rest of the country, according to a report. Researchers from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne said that the increase in the number of elderly people living in rural areas would pose "numerous urgent challengers" to the government.
Rural elderly figures 'soaring'
The number of older people living in the English countryside is increasing at a much faster rate than the rest of the country, according to a report. Researchers from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne said that the increase in the number of elderly people living in rural areas would pose "numerous urgent challengers" to the government.
30 June 2009
Summit Shines Spotlight On Rural Business Success
Business leaders, local authorities, community organisations and economic development agencies from around the country are today meeting in Aylesbury to discuss how inspiration and leadership can help release the potential of rural economies.
Summit Shines Spotlight On Rural Business Success
Business leaders, local authorities, community organisations and economic development agencies from around the country are today meeting in Aylesbury to discuss how inspiration and leadership can help release the potential of rural economies.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
