Policy Hub
On 1 November 2008, the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) published a report (Tackling rural disadvantage through how public services are reformed) which highlights the need for public service reform to be viewed from a distinctly rural perspective, particularly by those who are commissioning services and allocating resources.
The report points to research which reveals that rural poverty is increasing and notes that the number of rural outlets continues to decline for many different types of service.
Drawing on a substantial body of evidence from a number of different sources, the report suggests that policies which aim to improve quality, efficiency and choice may fail in many areas unless they are ‘rural proofed’ to take on board the rurality of certain communities.
Tackling rural disadvantage through how public services are reformed (PDF)