Politics
27 Apr 2012
Rural networks are ‘bringing benefits’
MINISTERS are continuing to seek meetings with 17 rural networks set up as a ‘hotline to the heart of government’. The rural and farming networks were established earlier this year...
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19 Apr 2012
MPs call for fairer rural deal
MPs have called for a fairer deal from the government for rural communities. The issue of rural communities was debated in a Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday (17 March). Simon...
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14 Apr 2012
MPs debate support for rural areas
GOVERNMENT support for rural communities is to be debated by MPs. The Westminister Hall debate is scheduled for 11am–12.30pm on Tuesday (17 April). It will be led by Simon Hart,...
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27 Mar 2012
Planning framework unveiled at last
THE government has unveiled the long-awaited final version of its National Planning Policy Framework. The 50-page document, which replaces over 1,300 pages of policy in 44 separate documents, was published...
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22 Mar 2012
‘Thousands of jobs’ from rural growth
A £15m project to boost the rural economy will create more than 3,000 jobs and 700 businesses, claims the government. “Great business ideas have been held back by the challenges...
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22 Mar 2012
Little rural cheer from latest Budget
RURAL communities are unlikely to benefit from the government’s latest budget, stakeholders have warned. Plans to increase fuel duty are especially likely to hit rural residents and businesses hardest, believe...
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12 Feb 2012
Retain rural watchdog, say Lib Dems
THE Liberal Democrats have urged the government to abandon plans to abolish the Commission for Rural Communities. Lib Dem rural spokesman Andrew George MP said the government should instead beef...
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08 Feb 2012
Roadshow helps shape rural policy
BUSINESS and community leaders attending roadshows with government ministers are helping shape action to support rural areas. Taking part in her first Rural Roadshow, Defra secretary Caroline Spelman visited Yorkshire...
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17 Jan 2012
MPs fight for fairer rural funding
MPs fighting for fairer rural funding have taken their case to Prime Minister David Cameron. A cross-party group of MPs led by Graham Stuart met with Mr Cameron at 10...
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