Countryside Agency Archive
Breadcrumbs
RURAL ADVOCATE TELLS MPS: “MAKE POLICY RURAL PROOF” - 18th January 2001
Rural Advocate and Countryside Agency chairman, Ewen Cameron, today (Thursday 18 January) warned that both local and central government must take much greater account of the needs of rural areas and people when drawing up policies.
Speaking at the launch of the new All Party Parliamentary Group for
the Countryside, Mr Cameron pointed out that it is the
responsibility of all government departments to "consider the rural
dimension" when making policy decisions. He also welcomed the
formation of the new All Party Group and role it will play to
ensure that rural needs are given proper consideration in the
policy-making process. Ewen Cameron said: "For too long the Departments of State have developed their policies and initiatives from the perspective of the majority who live in towns. It is extremely heartening that the Government, and now the All Party Group for the Countryside, are committing themselves to encouraging a more inclusive approach. By working together, across the political spectrum, to improve the understanding of rural problems and opportunities, I am certain we can make a long-term difference to those who live and work in the countryside, as well as those who visit."
"The Countryside Agency will be at the forefront of this process encouraging both central and local government to build 'rural proofing' into their regular policy making process. We will also be providing policy makers with the tools they need and monitoring and reporting on their success in an annual report on rural proofing".
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Notes to Editors
For further information please contact Julia Cropley or Isobel Coy on 020 7340 2909/6.
The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on the social, economic and environmental well-being of the English countryside.
www.countryside.gov.uk
