Forum Brief: Rural conference

The Local Government Association has on Wednesday held its annual rural conference, addressing issues relating to "delivering for rural communities".

The government's rural tsar Lord Haskins was one of the main speakers.

Forum Response: Local Government Association

Councillor Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA's rural executive, told ePolitix.com: "The conference is a full day's work on delivering rural recovery and we're looking at ways in which local authorities can work to sustain our rural way of life in rural areas.

"The highlight of the morning session was a very illuminating presentation by Lord Haskins who demonstrated a good grasp of the issues. He impressed the delegates with his willingness to tell it as it is without fear of upsetting interested parties.

"He also said that the key agency for rural delivery in almost all cases was the local authority - something the LGA has been arguing for many years."

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

Simon Hart, chief executive designate of the Countryside Alliance, told ePolitix.com: "Any governmental participation at local level is to be applauded and I hope that Lord Haskins' speech on his delivery recommendations is met with approval by delegates.

"DEFRA has the potential to make a real difference to rural areas and we are looking forward to reading Lord Haskins' report in full when it is published.

"Early indications suggest that devolving DEFRA's powers to the regions will be the key recommendation here and one for which the Alliance has always lobbied. DEFRA's delivery very much depends on local knowledge and local communication - both vital if we are to engender a prosperous, vibrant and sustainable rural community."