The Countryside Alliance has launched an online survey to help shape the evidence it presents to the House of Lords inquiry into the rural economy.
The special House of Lords Select Committee is holding an inquiry into the rural economy which will examine all aspects of the rural economy and will make recommendations to the Government early next year.
The Countryside Alliance is asking its members and supporters to fill in its online survey to help ensure that rural people have their say on the issues that matter to them.
‘Resilient and innovative’
The chairman of the Committee, Lord Foster of Bath, has stated that “the voices of those living in rural communities are vital” and the Countryside Alliance wants to ensure that voice is heard.
A Countryside Alliance spokesman said: “People in rural areas are resilient and innovative but the rural economy still suffers from a range of problems.”
It marks the first time that a parliamentary inquiry has considered such a broad range of rural issues at any one time.
The committee has identified several areas that it wants to examine:
- Transport in rural areas;
- Digital infrastructure;
- Support for local amenities such as shops and pubs;
- Rural housing and planning policy;
- Rural businesses, business investment and new rural industries;
- Employment and skills;
- Demographic challenges;
- Rural deprivation and isolation.
It provides the committee with an opportunity to make recommendations across Government, which should help to improve the lives of those who live and work in the countryside.
Countryside Alliance political relations manager, James Somerville-Meikle, said: “We have long argued that the rural economy needs to be considered as a whole and a more joined-up approach is needed from the Government when it comes to policy and service delivery.
“This inquiry provides a unique opportunity for people to have their say on every aspect of the rural economy and we encourage everyone with an interest in rural life and business to get involved.”
