About Us
The Commission was established in April 2005 and became an independent body on 1 October 2006, following the enactment of the NERC Act
Our role is to provide well-informed, independent advice to government and ensure that policies reflect the real needs of people living and working in rural England, with a particular focus on tackling disadvantage.
We have three key functions:
Rural advocate:
the voice for rural people, businesses and communities
Expert adviser:
giving evidence-based, objective advice to government and others
Independent watchdog:
monitoring and reporting on the delivery of policies nationally, regionally and locally
A message of support from Tony Blair
The Prime Minister, Tony Blair issued a message of support for the Commission and our work.
Latest Press Releases
- Report reveals increasing inequality in rural areas ─ State of the countryside 2008
- Watchdog sets out rural healthcare needs in response to Government’s NHS review
- Report highlights potential to double economic output of rural areas
- Rural Advocate reports to Prime Minister on realities of rural England
- Rural watchdog welcomes change in law to help secure affordable rural housing
- Rural watchdog calls for more backing for community-led personal finance solutions
- Pension credit take-up: rural pensioners left out in the cold!
- Rural Advocate visits Fens to ‘take the temperature’ of rural healthcare services
- Rural watchdog welcomes local democracy recommendations
- Rural watchdog signals need to strengthen ‘rural proofing’ of government policy
Spread your message to an audience that counts, with options available for our website, email bulletins and publications including The House Magazine.
