Steps to take
- Ensure you are clear about the objectives of the proposed policy development, its intended impacts or outcomes (including which areas, groups or organisations should benefit) and the proposed means of delivery.
- Run through each question in the checklist, identifying where the proposed policy is likely to have a different impact in rural areas.
- Where there is uncertainty or a potentially different (worse) impact, this should be investigated further (and included in the overall assessment of the costs and benefits of the policy).
- Where the impact in rural areas will be significantly different, explore policy options to produce the desired outcomes in rural areas or avoid/mitigate any undesirable impacts. This exercise may also highlight opportunities to maximise positive impacts in rural
areas.
- Seek advice, as necessary, either from the designated rural proofing contacts in your Department or from the Rural Proofing Studies Unit at the (see end of checklist for details).
- Feed the results of your appraisal, including solutions, into the decision making process and ensure a record is kept, to be included in your Department’s contribution to annual rural proofing reports.
For further information please contact: The Rural Proofing Studies Unit at the Commission for Rural Communities. Tel: 020 7340 2971
Publications containing further information and advice, including annual rural proofing monitoring reports, can be obtained from the Commission for Rural Communities website.
Useful statistical information and advice on using the Urban/Rural Definition can be found on the Defra Website Rural Affairs pages.
Page last modified: 20 August 2007
Page published: 16 August 2007
