Welsh government consulting on CLA Cymru proposal
CLA Cymru welcomes the consultation on rural proofing announced during the Royal Welsh Show
The Welsh government has launched a consultation on whether Welsh public authorities should be required to consider rural needs. The proposed policy recognises the significance of rural Wales and aims to remove barriers to rural productivity. This reflects continuing CLA Cymru lobbying since the launch of our 'Generating Growth in the Rural Economy' report.
The Welsh rural economy has massive unrealised potential. Whilst one third of Welsh people live in rural areas, they suffer from 35% lower productivity than urban workers. Rural businesses struggle to attract staff because of limited public services and housing. They struggle to learn the skills they need due to lack of training facilities. They struggle to connect their business because of limited road, broadband and grid infrastructure. These are often made worse by government's failing to consider rural needs, as the CLA Cymru report argued:
the lack of understanding among the urban population of the notions of rural and rurality underpinned the failure of (usually urban) government decision-makers to grasp the challenges faced by rural businesses and communities
This rural proofing duty aims to address that. It will legally require Welsh Government ministers and other public authorities (like councils and health boards) to consider how to address the needs of rural people, businesses and communities. The duty will apply whenever they develop, adapt or deliver policies, plans and public services. CLA Cymru highlighted the potential of a rural proofing duty to improve the rural economy in our manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election.
Carefully considering rural needs is a welcome first step to promoting growth in rural Wales. However, this consultation is vital in ensuring the duty becomes a success rather than a box-ticking exercise. You can express your opinion on which public authorities the duty applies to and how it will work on the Welsh Government website. Further action will also be needed to fully realise the potential in the rural economy, such as reforming the planning system to enable rural businesses to build what they need.
