Foreword by Rt Hon John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister and Rt Hon Nick Brown, Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Food
How we live our lives is shaped by where we live our lives. But wherever people live, we believe they want the same basic things: jobs, a healthy economy, a stable and safe society, good public services - opportunity for all. North or south, urban or rural, the parts of our country - though different - are inextricably intertwined and interdependent.
People also want to have a say in what happens in their community and to shape their own future. The character, vitality and beauty of our countryside are important to all of us. But many rural communities are going through difficult changes. Basic services have become over-stretched. In traditional industries, such as farming, incomes are falling and jobs are disappearing. There has been pressure for unwelcome development. Wildlife diversity has declined. Previous Governments have failed to tackle these problems. Over the past 20 years we have seen post offices disappearing, council houses sold off, rural schools closed, building on green fields and village bus services cut.
We are beginning to turn this round. There have been real improvements over the the past three years. We have stemmed the closure of rural schools and we are introducing measures to reduce closures of post offices in rural areas. We are working to help farmers through very difficult times, providing millions of pounds in additional support and a new direction in agricultural policy. We are recruiting extra police officers in rural areas and, as part of our 10-Year Transport Plan, have begun investing more in rural bus and train services. We know, however, that there is much more to do.
Our vision is of a living, working, protected and vibrant countryside. Not an outdated, picture-postcard version, but one where people have access to the jobs and services they require. We want to give a fair deal in public services, to support a diverse and successful rural economy, and to protect and enhance the environment. We want a countryside which can shape its own future, with its voice heard by Government at all levels.
Above all, we believe in a countryside for everyone. We have listened to the whole range of needs and concerns expressed by people living in the countryside. It is clear that our rural areas have a diverse set of problems and interests. This paper addresses the real needs of people in the countryside. It is also clear that in the past some rural voices have been louder than others. Government must listen to everyone.
In future we want decisions to be taken with the active participation of local people, and to develop new partnerships in delivering change. Government's role is to provide the framework and support for rural communities to succeed.
Some people want to drive a wedge between town and country. While we recognise what makes our countryside special, we also believe that rural and urban areas are interdependent. Our aim is to deliver an improved quality of life for everyone in the countryside - as well as in cities and towns. This White Paper sets out how we can achieve that.
John Prescott & Nick Brown
Page last modified:
19 May, 2005
Page published: 28 November, 2000