Description:

Rural England plays a significant role in the economy of the United Kingdom, but an even larger social and cultural role. And it is unique among OECD regions, in that it is geographically compact, with rural inhabitants generally no more than a half hours drive from an urban area. There is thus a vast amount of interaction between rural and urban populations in England. Englands rural population is, on average, doing better than the urban population across a broad range of socio-economic indicators. Nevertheless, rural England is also struggling with pockets of poverty and social exclusion, difficulties in maintaining access to high quality public services, an ageing population, and, most importantly, a widespread shortage of affordable housing. The government has adopted mainstreaming as its rural policy strategy. The objective of mainstreaming is to ensure that people in rural England have access to the same policies and programmes as those available in urban England. While mainstreaming is an attractive policy approach, especially in a country with strong rural-urban interactions such as England, it has proved challenging to implement for different reasons. This report examines the mainstreaming policy response as applied to rural England and suggests ways to increase its effectiveness. The report will interest academics and policy makers alike as it includes a discussion on governance structures and decentralisation; delivering public services; economic development; and the importance of improving connectivity in the context of rural areas. While the focus is on rural England, other OECD member countries will also benefit from the insights provided.Table of Content :ForewordAcronyms and AbbreviationsAssessment and RecommendationsIntroductionChapter 1. Profile of Rural England-Key points-""Rural"" is different in England-Rural England is growing and better off-Rural England has good socio-economic indicators-There is no ""distinct""rural economy in England-Five ""key"" secors form the core of the rural economy""-Summary-Annex 1.A1. Additional Tables and FiguresChapter 2. England's Rural Policy and Governance Mechanisms-Key points-Introduction-The evolution of rural policy in England-The different components of rural policy in England-Mainstreaming rural at the sub-national leel: actors and mechanisms-England's rural financial network-Housing policy and spatial planning in rural England-Summary-Annex 2.A1. Additional BoxesChapter 3. Assessment of England's Rural Policy-Key points-Introduction-The New Rural Paradigm offers a framework for examining rural policy in England-The challenges in mainstreaming rural-Strengthening rural proofing-Improving the evidence base, strengthening the case for rural policy-Decentralisation in England-There is room to further elevate the visibility of the rural voice-Housing policy and rural England-Service delivery - the challenges and opportunities in rural England-Linkages between English policy and EU policy-SummaryChapter 4. Policy Recommendations for Rural England-Key points-Introduction-Developing more effecitve governance structures-Enhancing mainstreaming-Introducing rural to regional cities-Ensuring equitable access to services-Strengthening the rural economy-Expanding connectiveity-SummaryBibliography?‰valuation et recommandations