The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on a new Defra rural taskforce report was published this week, titled ‘Future of Rural England’: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/future-of-rural-england-report
CLA Deputy President Joe Evans said:
“The CLA welcomes today’s Future of Rural England report and its focus on embedding rural proofing across government. Only through a joined-up approach, with departments working together, can the full potential of the rural economy be unlocked.
“The challenge now is turning these recommendations into action. That means delivering affordable rural housing, improving digital connectivity and transforming our approach to planning so that it becomes an enabler, as opposed to a blocker.
“As devolution is rolled out, government must also ensure rural communities are not left behind. Getting this right is fundamental to closing the productivity gap, unlocking billions of pounds of economic growth and creating a thriving countryside.”
