Chapter 32

Cross-Departmental Review of rural and countryside programmes

Scope

The cross-departmental review of rural and countryside programmes built on the recent recommendations to Government by the Performance and Innovation Unit and ongoing work on the Rural White Paper. It considered objectives and targets for Government rural policy; mechanisms for ensuring the rural dimension is taken into account in policy making; and the possibility of a Market Towns Initiative. It complemented consideration of rural issues which took place within departmental programmes.

Background

32.1 The countryside matters to people who live there, people who work there and people who visit it. So whilst many government policies - including creating economic stability, and more investment in education and health - matter as much in rural areas as elsewhere, it is important that the impact of policies on countryside and rural areas are properly taken into account. The Government has done this through specific initiatives, for example through the rural bus grant which led to 1,800 new or enhanced rural bus services in England, and the special assistance provided for agriculture and rural policing. But in setting up the cross-departmental review the Government wished to ensure that the rural dimension is always taken into account.

Outcomes

32.2 This review is a part of a process that will culminate in the publication of the Rural White Paper later in the year. As part of this, the Government is publishing for the first time both an overall aim for rural and countryside policy and a set of objectives. Linked to these aims and objectives the government is also publishing rural Public Service Agreement targets which comprise specific targets relating to rural development, protection of biodiversity and access to the countryside. The aim, objectives and targets are set out in Box 32.1. These targets will be backed up by commitments to rural access for key services which will be developed in the Rural White Paper.

32.3 The Government will also be introducing new arrangements for ensuring that the rural dimension is fully taken into account in the development and implementation of policies. This will involve a clear role for the Countryside Agency in advising on the rural impact of policies, providing a rural checklist for policy makers and assessing the success of rural proofing; annual reporting from Departments to the Cabinet Committee on Countryside and Rural Affairs; and a National Sounding Board on Rural Matters.

32.4 As part of its commitment to the countryside, the Government recognises the vital role played by market towns in the economic and social life of rural areas. To help ensure that they play that role as effectively as possible the Government will be providing 'pump priming' and practical support through a new Market Towns Initiative. This will help ensure that the Countryside Agency, Regional Development Agencies, local authorities and others can work together to assist the towns which are identified as having the greatest need and potential for reinvigoration.

Box 32.1. Rural and Countryside Programmes - Aim, objectives and PSA targets

The overall aim is to sustain and enhance the distinctive environment, economy and social fabric of the English countryside for the benefit of all.

Objective 1: To facilitate the development of dynamic, competitive and sustainable economies in the countryside, tackling poverty in rural areas.

Deliver the environmental and economic benefits envisaged in the Rural Development Plan by 2004 including an increase in the area farmed organically and development of the rural economy under the new Rural Enterprise Scheme (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food).

Objective 2: To maintain and stimulate communities, and secure access to services which is equitable in all the circumstances, for those who live or work in the countryside.

Objective 3: To conserve and enhance rural landscapes and the diversity and abundance of wildlife (including the habitats on which it depends).

Care for our living heritage and preserve natural diversity by reversing the long term decline in the number of farmland birds by 2020, as measured annually against underlying trends (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food).
Bring into favourable condition by 2010 95 per cent of all nationally important wildlife sites, compared to 60 per cent of sites currently estimated to be in such condition (Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions).

Objective 4: To increase opportunities for people to enjoy the countryside.

Open up public access to mountain, moor, heath and down and registered common land by the end of 2005 (Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions).

Objective 5: To promote Government responsiveness to rural communities through better working together between central departments, local government, and government agencies and better cooperation with non-government bodies.

Spending plans

32.5 In parallel to the work of the cross-departmental review, other elements of the Spending Review will have significant benefits for rural areas. They include:

pushing forward electronic delivery of services ranging from prescriptions through to claims for Common Agricultural Policy payments;
a commitment to maintain the rural Post Office network and prevent any avoidable closure of rural Post Offices; and
providing new funding which makes good the government's commitments in the England Rural Development Plan and the Strategy for Agriculture - a major boost to agri-environment schemes and business development.

32.6 Specific expenditure in rural areas is contained in main departmental programmes (covered in Section III).