RURAL stakeholders are examining ways of coping with reduced public spending amid fears of funding cuts.

Dozens of delegates attended a rural summit held at Taunton, Somerset, on Monday (9 October).

Whitehall departments have been told to examine up to half of all their programmes to find savings.

The event sought to highlight ways of empowering rural communities to tackle economic shocks and environmental challenges such as flooding and animal disease.

The event was organised by the Commission for Rural Communities and the South West Regional Development Agency.

Commission chairman Stuart Burgess said the summit was especially important given the impact of the recession and likely future pressures on public spending.

“We want those taking part today to focus on how rural economies can be made more resilient following recent challenges, and on what will be needed from the public and voluntary sectors to empower rural economies and communities in a period of lower public spending.

“We are also keen to hear about how the potential of rural areas can be realised through positive support and facilitation to rural entrepreneurs, both in business and in the community, rather than relying solely on top-down programmes.”

Meanwhile, every Whitehall department has been told to find savings, Defra permanent secretary Helen Ghosh told MPs on Wednesday (11 November).

"All departments have been asked to look at 50% by value of their programmes to show how they can be made more efficient."

Ms Ghosh was giving evidence to the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

Defra would be focusing on delivering its services more efficiently rather than abandoning its commitment to rural communities, she said.

The department's revenue funding has been pegged at the same level for the next two years, while capital spending on major investments will fall by around 16%.

The Taunton summit was the fourth in a series of events following a report by Dr Burgess on ways of releasing the potential of England’s rural economies.

The government’s response to the report can be downloaded here (552KB pdf).

The commission organised the events to focus the attention and activity of government, agencies, regional and local leaders on the issue.

Harry Studholme, South West RDA chairman, said rural areas faced many social, environmental and economic pressures.

But inherent characteristics of self-help and independence of spirit offered fertile ground for rural empowerment.

“Our rural areas are a far cry from the rustic stereotype,” said Sir Harry.

“In truth, there is tremendous diversity among our region's rural business base which includes a wealth of expertise.”

Old farm buildings were being converted to house new businesses and communities were increasingly running their own village shops.

Modern rural skills included expertise in advanced engineering, tourism, the creative industries and the land-based sectors.

Early next year, the commission will draw together findings from the series of summits at a final, national, event.

Recommendations on ways of strengthening rural economies and preparing a path towards recovery will then be presented to the government.

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