As MPs debate the Devolution Bill again, the UK Government has confirmed it will support adding the term ‘rural affairs’ to the list of responsibilities of mayors and councils. This is an important step that puts rural interests clearly into the devolution framework.
The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has worked closely with MPs, peers, and partners such as the Royal Town Planning Institute and the NFU to get this amendment over the line.
The CLA is also running a cross-party parliamentary inquiry to see how devolution will affect rural areas on the ground, with a full report this summer.
Without this change, new mayors and councils would have had no clear duty to consider rural needs at all.
CLA President Gavin Lane said:
“Too often decisions made in Whitehall hold the rural economy back. So we asked government to devolve authority for rural affairs to local communities – and they have listened.
“This means that mayors and local authorities will have real powers to help businesses to grow the economy, create jobs, sustain our communities and protect our way of life.
“But we must not be naive. While devolution brings real opportunities, it also risks town halls making the same mistakes that national governments have for years. On this basis, local authorities must work constructively with business owners on transport, planning, housing, skills, land use and growth to maximise the impact of these new powers.”
How will devolution impact the countryside?
Until now, the bill did not clearly recognise rural affairs. This created a real risk of an urban‑first approach, even in areas that are mostly countryside. Rural areas cover around 85% of England’s land and contribute £259bn to the economy, yet they are still too often treated as an afterthought.
Adding this term to the bill puts rural issues firmly into the devolution system. It gives mayors and combined authorities a clearer basis to engage with rural businesses, farming, land use and communities.
For the CLA, the addition creates a clear hook to work with new councils and mayors as they set priorities for growth and investment in rural areas in the wake of the local elections on 7 May.
