A report by a committee of MPs called on the government to do more to support economic growth in rural areas.
Source: The Potential of England's Rural Economy, Eleventh Report (Session 2007-08), HC 544, House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report | CRC press release | RSN press release
Date: 2008-Oct
The report of a government-commissioned review said that for too many people country life was 'challenging'. House prices were significantly higher than the national average, while rural wages were significantly lower. Affordable homes were few and far between, and business growth was too often restricted. A fundamental shake-up of affordable housing policy was needed to help rural communities. New planning policies were needed to revitalize market towns, creating new neighbourhood extensions with shops and community facilities.
Source: Matthew Taylor MP, Living Working Countryside: The Taylor Review of rural economy and affordable housing, Department for Communities and Local Government (0870 1226 236)
Links: Report | Review press release | DCLG press release | CRC press release | CPRE press release | CIH press release | Shelter press release | Housing Corporation press release | NHF press release | CHC press release | RSN press release | Carnegie UK Trust press release | RTPI press release | BBC report | Inside Housing report
Date: 2008-Jul
A report (by an official advisory body) set out a package of proposals designed to improve government support for the development of people and enterprises in the rural business sector.
Source: England's Rural Areas: Steps to release their economic potential, Commission for Rural Communities/Countryside Agency (020 7340 2900)
Links: Report | CRC press release
Date: 2008-Jun