Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Rural Coalition and Pragmatix Advisory Reigniting rural futures: Rural communities’ capacity to boost economic growth, published in May; in particular, the claim that the rural economy could generate between £9 and £19 billion of additional tax revenue with increased investment and infrastructure.

The rural economy contributes over £315 billion a year to England alone, with over half a million businesses are currently registered in rural areas.

We welcome the report published by the Rural Coalition and Pragmatix Advisory on Reigniting rural futures: Rural communities’ capacity to boost economic growth (attached).

Whilst the rural economy makes a substantial contribution to England’s economy, we know that overall productivity is typically lower when compared to predominantly urban areas. Additionally, we know that productivity varies greatly across rural areas reflecting their diversity. Whilst some offer good examples of successful businesses, others consist of deprived areas.

The Government recognises that rural areas, therefore, offer significant potential to support economic growth, and the government has committed to improving the quality of life for people living and working in rural areas, so that we can realise the full potential of rural business and communities.

A prosperous rural economy will be underpinned by investment and improvements in rural infrastructure including transport, energy, digital, affordable housing and access to a diverse range of community services.