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

[edit] State of the Countryside Report

On 17th July 2007 the Commission published the 2007 edition of their annual 'State of the Countryside Report', described as:

"a 'first call' for those seeking quantitative information on social, economic and environmental issues in rural areas."

This year's report shows there are now nearly 400,000 fewer young people aged 15-29 in England's rural areas than just twenty years ago, contributing significantly to a rural demographic which is both older and ageing faster than urban areas.

The report also shows:

- that rural areas experienced over 200% growth in the number of migrant workers in the last three years;
- the average rural household spent nearly £480 per week in 2005, £60 per week higher than was paid by the average urban household;
- that just 44% of households in sparse isolated rural areas are within easy reach of a GP;
- a near doubling of energy crops in the last year; and
- that due to the changing climate there are now nearly 400 vineyards in England and Wales.