Rural life inquiry

The House of Lords Select Committee on the Rural Economy recently began its inquiry and is looking at a wide range of subjects relating to the rural economy, including services, digital connectivity, housing, transport, employment and demographic change. And they want contributions on topics including: How the Government is performing on the rural economy/Improving and maintaining provision for essential services such as healthcare, education and banking/Helping rural business to thrive, and supporting investment and new industries/Tackling deprivation and inequality in rural areas/Supporting shops, pubs and other local amenities. Committee chairman Lord Foster of Bath said: “This is an exciting time for the rural economy and the committee hopes that the report it produces will have a wide-ranging impact on policymakers, practitioners and the public, celebrating successes where they have occurred and challenging people and organisations (including Government) to do better where necessary. “Whether you run a local business, live or work in a rural community, or want to celebrate successes and address challenges in rural areas, I urge you to get in touch and submit evidence to the inquiry.” Written evidence can be submitted online at www.parliament.uk/rural-economy-committee-submission-form before September 10.