THE government must take action following a warning by MPs that countryside communities are being given a raw deal, says England’s biggest rural partnership.

DEFRA has unveiled long-awaited national guidelines to help government departments ‘rural-proof’ their policies and programmes.

THE BBC Trust has appointed Heather Hancock to examine whether the broadcaster’s rural coverage is impartial.

Stimulating economic growth is the top priority for the government, MPs have been told.

ALMOST three-quarters of rural voters feel politicians are more interested in city dwellers, suggests a poll.

A “major landmark” for the coalition government will help boost local economic growth, say ministers.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website has moved to become part of the single GOV.UK domain.

MPs have demanded a fairer share of funding for rural local authorities from the government.

RURAL local authorities remain worse off than their urban counterparts – despite an additional £8.5m government grant.

THE countryside could be disadvantaged unless the government amends its Growth and Infrastructure Bill, rural business leaders have warned.