A New Rural Agenda

Article

This collection of essays identifies the key challenges facing rural public policy today.

Read a sample chapter entitled "Rural politics and governance" by Michael Woods.

Social justice has been pushed to the forefront of rural policy as a priority for Government action, yet it remains unclear how rural areas and progressive rural policy fit into the broader social justice agenda.

Rural communities share the same aspirations as communities elsewhere: a prosperous local economy, excellent public services and increased control over their own destiny. However, the route to meeting these aspirations needs to be more readily defined and action taken to achieve these progressive and inclusive aims.

The explores the following main themes:

  • rural economies and economic development
  • society and public services
  • politics and governance.

Together these inform recommendations for a progressive new phase of rural policy.

View the table of contents.

Related items

  1. A wide shot of several large commercial vessels, including oil tankers and a survey boat, floating on turquoise water. In the background, an industrial shoreline with numerous smokestacks and refinery infrastructure is visible under a cloudy sky. Concept of global logistics, maritime industry, and international trade.

    Price caps and economic stability: How to manage the Iran war energy shock?

    The Iran war energy shock will impose significant costs on the UK economy, even if the government does not offer a universal support package.

  2. The political trust crisis: Why local democracy must start listening again

    A troubling reality hangs over May’s local elections: trust in politics has collapsed.
  3. Close Up Of Female Care Worker In Uniform Holding Hands Of Senior Man Sitting In Care Home Lounge

    Putting cardiovascular disease at the heart of policymaking: Learning from research in the devolved nations

    Deaths from heart attacks and strokes have halved since the 1960s and people living with these conditions have seen remarkable improvements in managing and treating them. But now progress is stalling.