Background Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) refer to the processes involved in the creation of the review, and will no longer be updated. Up-to-date information relating to Government's subsequent response to the review will shortly be available in a new Frequently Asked Questions section, which we aim to update regularly.
Background to the review and what it covers
- What is the rural delivery review and why is it being undertaken?
- Is this an independent review, and what is Lord Haskins’ role?
- Is this a Defra initiative, or is the Treasury driving the review?
- What role does Defra play in the review, and how are other departments involved?
- Is the review limited to Defra?
Timetable for the review
- What will happen after the review has reported?
- When will I be able to see Lord Haskin's findings and recommendations?
How the review is carried out
- Will the review cover all parts of England?
- Will the review consider rural delivery arrangements elsewhere?
- How can I contribute my own views and comments?
Background to the review and what it covers
What is the rural delivery review and why is it being undertaken?
The review is needed because there is a consensus in central government and beyond that the present arrangements for delivering the government’s rural policies are too complex - and that as a result the people at whom rural policies are directed are not being served as effectively as they could be. The policy and organisational background to rural delivery has also changed, in particular through the creation of Defra with a new role as the government’s lead department on rural affairs and the changing regional environment. The present delivery arrangements need to reflect these changes.
Is this an independent review, and what is Lord Haskins’ role?
Yes. Lord Haskins was invited to lead the review on account of his independence and the authority and expertise that he brings to the subject. He expects to present Ministers with recommendations for change, supported by a business case and implementation timetable, by Autumn 2003.
Is this a Defra initiative, or is the Treasury driving the review?
The review is a requirement of the Defra’s 2002 Spending Review settlement with the Treasury. Defra welcomes the review as an important element in its on-going programme of service delivery improvement.
What role does Defra play in the review, and how are other departments involved?
Defra Officials, together with other relevant bodies, are contributing views and evidence to the review. Lord Haskins is supported by a small review team of officials drawn from Defra and other government departments, including Cabinet Office, the Department for Work and Pensions and Government Offices in the Regions. The Team is reporting at intervals to an Interdepartmental Steering Group chaired by Anna Walker, Director General for Land Use and Rural Affairs in Defra.
Is the review limited to Defra?
Lord Haskins has been asked to concentrate primarily on the delivery arrangements in Defra, together with the agencies and organisations that report to it (“the Defra family”). The review is looking at the way in which these bodies work with other organisations, for example the Government Offices in the Regions, the Regional Development Agencies and local authorities, in delivering the rural policies for which Defra is responsible. The scope of the review is thus focusing heavily on the delivery activities that are funded by Defra and that are carried out either by Defra itself or by other bodies acting on its behalf. Rural delivery also embraces other parts of government that it is Defra’s role to influence, for example those responsible for transport and health. We are therefore considering the interactions between the Defra family and these other organisations in ensuring that the rural dimension is taken into account in the delivery of wider government policy.
Timetable for the review
What will happen after the review has reported?
It will be for Ministers to decide on next steps once the review has reported.
When will I be able to see Lord Haskin's findings and recommendations?
The review will report to Ministers in the Autumn of 2003.
How the review is carried out
Will the review cover all parts of England?
The review is concerned with rural delivery throughout England, and we intend to gather information from all parts of the country.
Will the review consider rural delivery arrangements elsewhere?
We will compare rural delivery arrangements in England with those elsewhere, including in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, EU member states and third countries. There will be contact with representatives of EU institutions in Brussels.
How can I contribute my own views and comments?
The review team continues to welcome any thoughts and comments at any time and an email address has been established for returns. The review team has conducted a written consultation with stakeholders and has gathered the views of representative organisations, the public and customers of rural delivery as part of it’s fact finding missions around England.
| Please note that this facility is not longer in use as the report is in the process of being drafted and the consultation has been concluded. Thank you to everyone who took the time to email their thoughts and opinions to Chris Haskins. |
Page last modified:
19 May, 2005
Page published: 10 December, 2002