DEFRA’s 10 Point Plan

DEFRA has launched its 10 point plan to improve rural productivity.  Many of the ideas/commitments within the plan have been announced before. The ten points are;

1. super-fast broadband to 85% of the UK by 2017
2. improve mobile network coverage in the UK
3. improve transport through timely delivery of £15bn Road Investment Strategy and £38bn Rail Investment Programme
4. More support for under performing schools and a review of the post-16  provision
5. More food, farming and small tourism apprenticeships and no National Insurance contributions for most apprentices from April 2016
6. Preference given to small towns and rural areas for new Enterprise Zones
7. review of planning and regulatory constraints facing rural businesses, introduction of fast tracked plannng certificate process.  Review to reduce farm inspections by 20,000
8. Review of agricultural conversions to residential buildings and requirement for local authorities to actively plan for the delivery of Starter Homes.
9. Ensure sufficient high quality childcare is available and deliver 30 hours of free childcare
10. Consider devolution of more powers to local areas

The full publication canbe found at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/454866/10-point-plan-rural-productivity-pb14335.pdf