Government announces plan to support rural communities
Released On 6th Jun 2023
The government has launched a new drive to support rural communities with better access to wireless networks.
A £7 million fund is to test out new ways to bring together satellite, wireless and fixed line internet connectivity, and support farmers and tourism businesses to access fast and reliable connectivity in remote areas for the first time.
There will also be help for rural businesses in trial areas to help utilise new agricultural technologies by improving connectivity on their land, for example using new drone technology to monitor crops and livestock in real-time, support landscape and wildlife conservation efforts, or develop interactive experiences for tourists.
The plan is split across four broad themes of housing, communities, connectivity and growth, and intends to help create jobs and drive growth in rural areas, including proposals to expand internet provision and scale up the availability of housing in rural communities.
Other plans include: consulting on further steps to help remote communities get online by encouraging the provision of fixed wireless access and satellite services; improving local transport networks through a Future of Transport Rural Strategy, which will set out plans to improve access to services, tackle isolation and increase access to jobs in rural and remote areas; and helping more communities access funding for village halls, by extending the scope of the Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund from Autumn 2023 by lowering the minimum grant threshold to £2,000.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "I have pledged to build a better future for people in this country, and our rural communities are right at the heart of that promise.
"That’s why I’m determined to make sure that their interests are front and centre of all our work to grow the economy and strengthen our communities – so that every part of our country gets the support it needs to thrive."
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: "The countryside makes up over 90% of the UK’s land mass, it is home to millions of people, and contributes over £250 billion to our economy in England alone. Rural areas are rich in human and natural potential with strong communities and entrepreneurial businesses.
"This government is committed to making sure that the needs of people and businesses in rural areas are at the heart of policymaking. We want to go further in unleashing that potential and support people in rural areas to build the sustainable future they want to see. Unleashing Rural Opportunity sets out what we have already delivered for rural communities and new initiatives to build on that record."
