The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has warned that the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which passed its Second Reading this week, could leave rural communities behind.
While supporting the principle of devolution, the RTPI cautioned that, without explicit rural safeguards, strategic investment and decision-making could default to urban centres.
At the debate, MPs voted 365 in favour and 164 against the Bill. During the debate, the Government described the legislation as the “biggest transfer of power from Whitehall to our regions and communities in a generation.”
While the RTPI supports the ambition of the Bill, it is concerned that the current approach will channel strategic investment and attention to urban areas, overlooking the specific needs and planning frameworks that apply across rural England.
With 85% of England’s land area classified as rural and 17% of the population living in these areas, the Institute is calling for measures that ensure these communities get their fair share of representation, strategic investment, and support needed to thrive.
The Institute is proposing additions to the Bill that will strengthen the duty on Mayors to consider and have regard to the distinct needs of rural communities. Amendments put forward by the Institute will include the addition of a rural affairs area of competence to Clause 2, so that, where appropriate, a rural affairs commissioner can be appointed to champion rural considerations across devolution deals and implementation.
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “We agree with the goal of empowering places, but rural communities must not become an afterthought. Rural areas face unique challenges, from access to services and infrastructure to housing affordability, employment and environmental stewardship, and they must have dedicated attention in devolution settlements. We are urging ministers to ‘rural-proof’ this Bill so that powers and investment reach every community, not just our largest cities.”
Meanwhile, the industry has reacted to the appointment of Steve Reed as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government following the resignation of former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Raynor.
RICS said it was right that housing and the built environment are central to the UK’s growth agenda, and it is essential that momentum for reform continues to unlock construction and give the sector confidence.
“RICS continues to work with government to help it deliver 1.5 million new homes and to champion a built environment that is sustainable, safe, and fit for the future needs of people and the economy,” said a spokesperson.
“The keys to achieving this is unlocking the planning system, raising investor confidence, and crucially, inspiring the next generation to enter the built environment professions.”
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB commented: ”The former Housing Secretary made several high-profile announcements aimed at getting Britain building again, but the sad fact is that the number of new homes has fallen short of the 300,000 that are needed each year. Support for first time buyers is non-existent and the proposed planning reforms to speed up development have yet to be materialise.
“There are now added fears that proposed reforms to the landfill tax could add even more cost to building homes, thereby hampering attempts to grow the housing market. Any additional cost on delivering new homes would be a backwards step when we need more, not fewer, homes to be built."
