Proposed law to put rural community needs at heart of policy

A proposed new Rural Needs Act looks set to require public bodies across Wales to consider the effects of policies on rural communities before decisions are made.

The Welsh government has launched a consultation on legislation that would place a legal duty on ministers, local authorities, health boards and other public bodies to consider the needs of rural communities when developing policies and delivering services.

Announced at the Royal Welsh Show on Wednesday (22 July), the proposed Rural Needs Act aims to ensure rural issues are built into decision-making from the outset rather than considered later in the process.

See also: Farm paperwork mountain under spotlight at Royal Welsh

The plans form part of a wider consultation on climate action, environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources, helping shape Wales’ future Climate and Nature Action Plan.

About one-third of Wales’ population lives in rural areas, which cover about 80% of the country’s land area.

The Welsh government says these communities often face higher living costs, lower incomes, poorer transport links, unreliable broadband and reduced access to healthcare and education.

Learning lessons

Cabinet secretary for rural resilience and sustainability Llyr Gruffydd discussed the proposals with Northern Ireland agriculture minister Andrew Muir during the Royal Welsh Show.

Northern Ireland has had its own Rural Needs Act since 2017.

Mr Gruffydd said: “This new law would ensure that when important decisions are made, the needs of rural communities are considered, not as an afterthought, but at the forefront of decision-making.”

Mr Muir added that discussions between governments helped share practical experience.

“As we develop our new rural policy, engagement of this kind is valuable in helping us learn from others and ensure rural needs remain at the heart of decision-making.”

Industry backing

NFU Cymru president Abi Reader welcomed the consultation, saying rural communities continue to face higher heating and transport costs, limited access to public services and poor digital connectivity.

She said she hoped the legislation would ensure “the needs of rural communities will be properly considered and placed front and centre of the decision-making process, rather than treated as an afterthought”.

“We need to ensure that whatever the policy area – be it health, education or transport – those designing and implementing the policy properly account for the needs of rural dwellers and do not place them at a disadvantage,” she added.

The consultation is now open, with farmers, rural businesses and residents invited to submit their views.