Commission for Rural Communities

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The Commission for Rural Communities was established as a division of the Countryside Agency on 1 April 2005, as a result of Defra's Rural Strategy, and became an independent body on 1 October 2006, following the enactment of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

The Commission provides well-informed, independent advice to government and ensures that policies reflect the real needs of people living and working in rural England, with a particular focus on tackling disadvantage.

The Commission has three key functions:

Rural advocate: the voice for rural people, businesses and communities

Expert adviser: giving evidence-based, objective advice to government and others.

Independent watchdog: monitoring and reporting on the delivery of policies nationally, regionally and locally.

"I hope the Commission will challenge Government, to make sure the rural voice is well and truly heard, and listened to, at all levels."
The Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, Prime Minister