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The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on plans for a landmark new law aimed at ensuring the needs of rural communities are considered in decisions made by government and public bodies across Wales.
Published today (22 July) as part of the Environmental Sustainability and Rural Resilience White Paper, the proposals would place a duty on Welsh Ministers, local authorities, health boards and other public authorities to consider the impact of policies and services on rural communities from the outset.
The plans form part of a wider package of measures designed to strengthen environmental protections, encourage the sustainable use of natural resources and support the development of Wales’ Climate and Nature Action Plan.
Like Scotland, Wales has a large rural land mass. Around one in three people in Wales live in rural areas, while approximately 80% of the country’s land area is classified as rural. The Welsh Government says people living in these communities often face higher living costs, lower incomes, poorer transport links, patchy internet connectivity and unequal access to key public services, including healthcare and education.
Ministers say the proposed legislation could help improve access to public services and ensure rural communities are not overlooked when decisions are taken.
The proposals also form part of the Welsh Government’s legislative programme and deliver on one of its First 100 Days commitments, as well as an election pledge to govern for all parts of Wales.
The consultation was launched during the Royal Welsh Show, where Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, met Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir. Discussions focused on lessons learned from Northern Ireland’s Rural Needs Act, which has been in force since 2017.
Speaking at the showground, Mr Gruffydd said:
“People living in rural Wales know what works for their individual communities, and we are taking action to ensure that their voices are heard.
“This new law would ensure that when important decisions are made, the needs of rural communities are considered, not as an afterthought, but at the forefront of decision-making.
“Meeting my counterpart from Stormont this week reminds us that we don’t have to start from scratch; Northern Ireland has shown this works, and we will develop a policy that is made in Wales and works for Wales.”
Andrew Muir welcomed the opportunity to share Northern Ireland’s experience of rural proofing legislation.
He said:
“I welcome the opportunity to discuss rural proofing with Ministers from other parts of the UK and to share learning from Northern Ireland’s experience of the Rural Needs Act.
“As we develop our new rural policy, engagement of this kind is valuable in helping us learn from others and ensure rural needs remain at the heart of decision-making.”
The consultation on the proposals opens today, with the Welsh Government encouraging people across Wales to share their views on the plans.
Access the consultation here.
