Displaying items by tag: Rural Affairs - CPRE North Yorkshire
Thursday, 22 March 2018 06:04
Yes, give Natural England more funding and NO, don't move rural affairs from Defra to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
House of Lords Committee’s scrutiny of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act).
CPRE North Yorkshire welcomes the Committee’s report into the needs of rural areas – more must and has to be done to ensure that the needs of rural communities are championed. Cuts to Natural England’s budget and resources have, of course, had an impact on how effective the organisation is. But, it is vital that Natural England can be a strong voice to promote access to the countryside and to enhance our precious landscapes. The 25 year Environment Plan has many commitments whose success relies on a well-resourced Natural England.
The focus should be on positive solutions – and while there is definitely a need to raise the profile of rural issues, we do not think it would be helpful for ‘rural affairs’ to become part of the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. We really must focus on how Government can ensure that Defra can be a stronger champion for the countryside.
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