The RSN cautiously welcomed the news on the day.  Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, said:

“It is good to finally see a joined-up approach across Government departments. We know that you cannot tackle the challenges facing our rural communities in isolation.  For example, it is not about building more homes.  We need the right kind of homes in the right places, supported by an infrastructure including transport, health and education.  All of this also needs to be delivered in a timely manner before the urban/rural gap becomes even greater.”

Publish a Future of Transport Rural Strategy setting out principles to support new innovative technologies in improving access to services, tackle isolation and increase access to jobs in rural and remote areas

Publish a Dental Plan and NHS England Workforce Plan

“There are a lot of promises in the document and commitments to consultations and reviews.  However, there is no evidence of funding commitments or serious change at this stage.

“The RSN has been calling on the Government to commit to fair funding for rural areas for some time now.  Reviewing how it measures deprivation is the first steps towards this.  However, it is only that, a first step.  Change needs to happen now or we risk another rural generation being left behind.”