WiRE News

Rural aspects of the Government’s Autumn Statement on the economy - 30/11/11

The price of energy and agricultural commodities featured early in George Osborne’s Autumn Statement to Parliament today.  They share the blame for the UK’s economic slowdown in the last 18 months. But these were not the only rural interests in the Autumn Statement.  Some detailed proposals which did not command the headlines include:
  • Rural Broadband: £20 million Rural Broadband Community Fund for superfast broadband to rural homes and businesses.  This will be supported by pilot work in North Yorkshire.
  • £15 million for up to six pilot Rural Growth Networks. 
  • Organic farmers may be exempted from regulations controlling the use of nitrate-based fertilisers – consultations are to follow
And lots more, see the whole article here on Charles Cowap's blog and the DEFRA summary here