Politics
15 Sep 2015
Minister: More to be done on funding
MORE must be done to narrow the gap in spending power between rural and urban local authorities, the government has conceded. Rural residents often earn less than their urban counterparts...
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11 Sep 2015
MPs secure pledge on business rates
THE government has promised MPs it will take “full account” of the rural impact as it reviews business rates. It follows a Westminster Hall debate secured by Jake Berry, Conservative...
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10 Aug 2015
Rural discussion paper published
THE government has published a discussion paper examining the future of rural communities. Industry, academic and voluntary sector experts explored the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities. It comes after...
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09 Jul 2015
MPs to scrutinise Defra on rural issues
TEN MPs have been appointed to a committee that will scrutinise the government’s work on rural issues. The MPs were appointed to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural...
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15 Jun 2015
Defra mulls options on budget cuts
Defra minister George Eustice says his department is “considering the options” after being told to slash £83m in spending. Mr Eustice was responding to a parliamentary question from shadow Defra...
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11 Jun 2015
Neil Parish to chair EFRA committee
Devon MP Neil Parish has been elected chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. Mr Parish, who represents the Tiverton and Honiton constituency, was the sole candidate...
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01 Jun 2015
MPs voice fears for rural services
MPs returning to parliament after the general election have voiced concern for the future of rural services. Addressing the House of Commons on Thursday (28 May), Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers...
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11 May 2015
Government faces fairer funding call
The Rural Services Network will press the new government for a fairer deal for rural communities and local authorities. The network has called on the incoming government to set the...
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29 Apr 2015
Labour publishes rural manifesto
The Labour Party has unveiled a rural manifesto outlining its policy pledges for the countryside. It pledges that a Labour government will build a rural economy that works for working...
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21 Apr 2015
Lib Dems unveil ‘Countryside Charter’
THE Liberal Democrats have set out a package of measures they claim will help rural communities thrive. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg unveiled the Countryside Charter on Tuesday (21 April). ...
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