William Eichler 22 March 2018

Whitehall ‘failing’ rural communities, committee warns

The Government has slashed department resources dedicated to promoting the needs of rural communities, select committee finds.

A report published today by the Select Committee on the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 found Whitehall cuts are having a ‘profound, negative impact’ on the social and economic welfare of rural areas.

Committee chairman Lord Cameron of Dillington warned the Government was failing to take proper account of the needs of rural communities. 

‘Departmental decisions and policies continue to demonstrate a lack of rural understanding among Whitehall policymakers,’ he said.

‘Each and every Government department should be required to think about the ways in which their policies affect rural people, and the Government must take action to ensure that this “rural-proofing” of policy happens.’

The report recommended the responsibility for rural affairs should be transferred from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

This would ensure, the committee said, that the responsibility for rural communities sits within the central Government department that is responsible for communities as a whole.

The committee report also recommended the creation of a single purpose unit within the Cabinet Office that could take responsibility for promoting and embedding rural proofing across Government departments.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner