A range of tailored solutions is needed to solve diverse problems in rural communities.

This is the verdict of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) [1] in response to the Report of the Rural Advocate 2007 [2].

‘There is no single solution to the problems identified by the Rural Advocate and it is crucial that analysis of rural England is not oversimplified to its disadvantage,’ said Tom Oliver, Head of Rural Policy at CPRE.

‘We welcome the recent announcement made by the Government that funds will be made available to build urgently needed affordable housing in smaller rural communities [3]. 

‘Some rural communities need more support for services, such as post offices [4] which are crucial if they are to function effectively. But much of rural England is prosperous as the Rural Advocate acknowledges himself. So we need to make sure we pursue discerning development which does not destroy the goose that lays the golden egg. Dismantling planning controls would do great damage and offer little or no help where it is really needed,’ Tom Oliver continued.

‘CPRE is working hard with the Government and its advisers [5] to tackle disadvantage in rural areas where it can often be hidden for the wider world.  We are committed to help in achieving this without destroying the qualities of English villages and towns which can give them significant economic advantages,’ Tom Oliver concluded.

– END –

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen.

2.  http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/events/ruraladvocatereportsonrealitiesofruralengland

3.  This commitment was set out in the National Affordable Housing Programme for 2008-11 announced by the Housing Corporation on 26 February.  The Minister for Housing, Caroline Flint MP, told the House of Commons ‘I am pleased to announce today a new national target for rural affordable housing, to deliver 10,300 completed homes in communities of fewer than 3,000 in the next three years. That represents a rise of more than 50 per cent. above the 4,625 units allocated, and it is for completions, which is a lot better than for allocations’. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080226/debtext/80226-0001.htm

4. The Government is pressing ahead with a closure programme for 2,500 post offices which will affect many rural communities, despite sustained calls from a wide range of organisations, including CPRE, to review this policy decision, which we believe will do significant damage to rural communities.

5. CPRE is assisting Matthew Taylor, Liberal Democrat MP for Truro, with his inquiry into the provision of rural affordable housing, initiated by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.