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PN C3

12 July 2004

Improving service delivery in rural communities

As part of the Spending Review process, the Government has continued work to ensure that key services such as health and education are delivered to the same level in rural as urban areas, in particular through innovative delivery of services such as the Pension Service, Jobcentre Plus and social care through mobile units, home visits and the Internet.

Minister of State for Rural Affairs, Alun Michael said:

“We are committed to overcoming the obstacles to service delivery in rural areas and ensuring that public services are delivered equitably to people no matter where they live. All departments have adopted the principles of rural proofing and can now show practical examples of its application. Our improved monitoring of performance will allow us to make further progress and target our efforts where more flexible and responsive service delivery is needed most.”

Details

• The concept of ‘rural proofing’ was introduced in the 2000 White Paper “Our Countryside: The Future – a Fair Deal for Rural England”. The Government reviewed the White Paper in 2004 and will shortly publish an updated strategy for future rural action.
• The Treasury has worked closely with DEFRA and other government departments throughout the Spending Review process to ensure that where policies impact on rural areas they address the different obstacles to delivery and needs of rural communities, and that this was considered in the assessment of departmental spending submissions.
• More detailed monitoring and reporting of service delivery will be possible in rural areas, using geographically tagged data and a new definition of ‘rural areas’ established by DEFRA.

Notes for editors

1. The Countryside Agency’s 2004 annual report assesses all government departments’ progress in rural proofing their activities and policies, and cane be seen at :-
   the Countryside Agency website.
2. For further information please contact the HM Treasury Press Office on 020 2720 5238.

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