The government recently addressed the Rural Services Network's (RSN) concerns regarding the new Industrial Strategy, which had been perceived as overlooking the potential and needs of rural areas. The response comes after the RSN's letter to Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, highlighting the lack of a rural dimension in the strategy's focus and execution.

The Rural Services Network (RSN) acknowledges the government’s focus on identified growth-driving sectors as part of the Industrial Strategy, however, concerns persist regarding the comprehensive inclusion of all sectors and regions in the upcoming policy reforms. The RSN, representing a broad spectrum of rural stakeholders, stresses the importance of a strategy that not only targets predetermined high-potential clusters but also fosters growth across diverse sectors and geographic areas, including rural and often overlooked regions.

There is a critical need for detailed operational plans that demonstrate how cross-cutting policies will universally benefit all sectors, supporting balanced regional development and mitigating the risk of economic disparity between urban-centric and rural areas. This approach should ensure that growth initiatives are as inclusive as possible, promoting equitable opportunities across the entirety of the UK. The RSN advocates for a transparent roadmap from the government that clearly articulates the integration and support mechanisms for rural communities within the broader economic framework of the Industrial Strategy.

The RSN has also highlighted the critical economic potential of rural areas in The Rural Coalition’s recent report, 'Rural Economy: A Sleeping Giant Worth £19 Billion'. This report underlines the substantial contributions that rural economies can make to the national economy, emphasising that with appropriate policy frameworks and investments, rural areas could dramatically boost their productivity and overall economic output. The findings support the RSN's call for the government to incorporate a more robust and inclusive approach to rural areas in the Industrial Strategy, ensuring that these regions are not overlooked but are seen as vital to achieving nationwide growth and prosperity.

The ongoing dialogue between the Rural Services Network and the UK government represents a crucial step towards ensuring that the new Industrial Strategy does not sideline rural communities but instead recognises them as essential contributors to the nation’s economic success.

You can read the Governments response to the RSN here