Politics
03 Sep 2012
MPs urged to improve ‘rural proofing’
STRONGER links between government departments are needed to ensure policies don’t discriminate against rural communities, MPs have been told. The Rural Services Network made the recommendation in evidence submitted to...
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30 Aug 2012
Rural policy under the spotlight
ACADEMICS will gather this month for a major conference to debate the future of rural policy. The 2012 Rural Policy Conference will be held on Thursday, 27 September, at Kingsholm...
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22 Jul 2012
Plan for fairer rural funding unveiled
The government has unveiled proposals to change its funding formula to recognise the additional expense of providing services in rural areas. The move follows a campaign by the Rural Services...
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20 Jul 2012
Rural statement postponed until autumn
THE government’s rural statement, originally to be published in late spring, has been postponed until autumn. The statement is intended to underline the government’s commitment to promoting a prosperous rural...
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19 Jul 2012
MPs made patrons of rural campaign
A NUMBER of MPs have been made parliamentary patrons of the Rural Fair Share campaign. The campaign brings together MPs from all parties, along with organisations, community groups, and individuals...
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14 Jun 2012
‘No plan’ to extend Defra questions
THE government says it has no plans to increase the amount of time ministers can be quizzed by MPs on rural issues. The topic was raised in the House of...
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31 May 2012
Government unveils Defra priorities
SUPPORTING rural communities is included in three priorities outlined by Defra’s Business Plan for 2012-15. Published by 10 Downing Street, the plan sets out Defra’s priorities and reform, along with...
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11 May 2012
Watchdog slams regional growth fund
THE government’s £1.4bn regional growth fund is failing to deliver value for money, says the official financial watchdog. The fund was established to support private sector jobs and growth in...
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11 May 2012
MP: Remember rural communities
FORGOTTEN rural communities must be treated more fairly, an MP has warned. Neil Parish, Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton, said greater fairness was needed in the shaping of government...
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10 May 2012
Plan to overhaul local audits
A BILL to establish new arrangements for auditing local bodies was included in the Queen’s Speech. The draft Audit Bill will be published during the summer for pre-legislative scrutiny. It...
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