Committee appointed to investigate the rural economy

• Rural Economy Committee
• House of Lords Liaison Committee: New ad hoc Committees in 2018–19

Background

The rural economy has transformed over the years and is now dynamic and diverse, contributing substantial added value to the country as a whole as well as to rural residents. Rural communities are also growing, with significant migration of all age groups from urban areas.

With these changes have come challenges, and there continues to be constraints on the growth of the rural economy, particularly in more remote areas. This inquiry will explore these challenges in more detail and consider how they can be addressed.

Chair's comment

Chairman of the Committee, Lord Foster of Bath, said:

"There are around 9.4 million people living in rural areas of England whose businesses and services contributed an estimated £229 billion to England's total economy in 2016.  But the rural economy still suffers from a range of problems, including patchy infrastructure, expensive housing and limited services. The Committee will be exploring how to help support rural economic growth while tackling these issues.

"The voices of those living in rural communities are vital to this inquiry, and the Committee is planning to visit rural areas to learn more about their successes and challenges, and their ideas for the future."

Committee membership:

• Earl of Caithness
• Lord Carter of Coles
• Lord Colgrain
• Lord Curry of Kirkharle
• Lord Dannatt
• Lord Foster of Bath
• Baroness Humphreys
• Baroness Mallalieu
• Baroness O'Cathain
• Baroness Pitkeathley
• Baroness Rock
• Baroness Young of Old Scone

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: iStockphoto