THE RURAL URBAN CONNECTION

A think tank to discuss the future of rural areas

ABOUT

Rural Urban Connection is an independent Rural Policy Thinktank that researches and advocates important issues pertinent to those who live, visit and work in the countryside.

Founded in 2019 by Kevin Beaty, a farmer and local politician in Cumbria, our aim is to defend and champion the issues faced by rural areas and ensure the countryside remains at the top of the government's post Brexit contingency.

OUR POLICY AREAS

Infrastructure

From HS2 to Crossrail there is a lot of discussion about infrastructure at the moment, but how are we going to link rural areas to the growing city regions?

Funding

Rural policy and Funding has been delivered by EU in rural areas though EFSIS and RDPE. As we leave the EU how will we fund rural community projects?

Broadband

56% of economic output is from non-metropolitan areas. To enable SMEs to grow in rural areas broadband should be prioritised.

Local government reform

Is the current Local Government Structure fit for purpose? Can it compete with the Metro Mayors?

Mobile phone reception

Is mobile connectivity a basic right in the 21st Century? Wireless solutions for work, internet and possibly healthcare could be the future, but only if we are connected

Isolation

As public and private services change from people based systems to digital and AI loneliness and isolation are increasingly a problem for everyone who lives and works in remote areas, especially so for older and young people.

Planning

Low wages

Wage levels in rural areas are significantly lower than in our cities. We need to find ways to increase average wages and attract working age population.

Planning laws prevent development in rural areas: should we relax or tighten policy?