An article examined the impact of recent growth in the numbers of international migrants on the economy and labour market of rural areas, and considered the opportunities and risks for rural development posed by increasing reliance on non-United Kingdom migrants in the workforce.
Source: Anne Green, Maria De Hoyos, Paul Jones and David Owen, 'Rural development and labour supply challenges in the UK: the role of non-UK migrants', Regional Studies, Volume 43 Number 10
Links: Abstract
Date: 2009-Dec
The government published a report setting out how it was taking forward the recommendations of the Taylor review of the rural economy and affordable housing.
Source: Government response to the Matthew Taylor Review: Implementation Plan, Department for Communities and Local Government (web publication only)
Links: Report | Hansard | DCLG press release
Date: 2009-Nov
An article examined the role and impact of migrant labour in rural communities in Scotland. Following European Union enlargement in 2004, rural areas had experienced an influx of labour migrants from central and eastern European countries on an unprecedented scale: although this had provided a major challenge for public service provision and 'social integration', it had also addressed local labour market shortages and created opportunities for regeneration.
Source: Philomena de Lima and Sharon Wright, 'Welcoming migrants? Migrant labour in rural Scotland', Social Policy and Society, Volume 8 Issue 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2009-Aug
A think-tank report examined the implications of increasing migration to rural areas, looking in particular at the economics of this phenomenon. It explored the roles migrants were playing, the economic impacts of migration on existing populations and businesses, and what future migratory trends might be. In particular, it considered whether recent migration had led to any risks for rural economies; and if so, how these risks could be managed.
Source: Laura Chappell, Maria Latorre, Jill Rutter and Jaideep Shah, Migration and Rural Economies: Assessing and addressing risks, Institute for Public Policy Research (020 7470 6100)
Links: Report | Summary | IPPR press release
Date: 2009-Jun
The government published its response to a report by the Rural Advocate on the rural economy.
Source: Resilience and Opportunity: The government's response to the report of the Rural Advocate – England's Rural Areas: Steps to release their economic potential, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (08459 556000) and other departments
Links: Report | Rural Advocate report | DEFRA press release | CRC press release | Guardian report
Date: 2009-Feb
The government responded to a report by a committee of MPs on the rural economy in England.
Source: The Potential of England's Rural Economy: Government response to the Committee's Eleventh Report, First Special Report (Session 2008-09), HC 155, House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Response | MPs report
Date: 2009-Jan