Our statutory purpose is to promote awareness of the social and economic needs of people who live and work in rural areas and help decision-makers across and beyond government identify how those needs can best be addressed.

Check out our response to the consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework, and our response to the Department of Health engagement exercise relating to the future of social care.

Please have a look at our call for evidence on employment, education and training for young people in rural areas.

On 29 November, the Government also announced a package of new measures designed to stimulate sustainable growth and help rural businesses and communities to reach their full potential. This package, led by Defra, was produced as part of the Government’s “Growth Review.” Full details of the package can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/economy/