Rural Related Politics - An RSN weekly review

THURSDAY 22 JANUARY 2026

Oral Questions: Cabinet Office

This session of Oral Questions to the Cabinet Office will centre on the Government’s cross-departmental coordination role, with a strong focus on relations with the EU, digital reform, and resilience and preparedness. Multiple questions address efforts to strengthen UK-EU relations, including future cooperation and trade discussions, alongside repeated scrutiny of education and training opportunities for young people through the Erasmus+ programme. MPs are also pressing for updates on the development of a digital identity system, the use of technology to deliver government priorities, and action to tackle cyber crime and protect democratic processes. Rural and coastal issues feature through questions on emergency resilience, household preparedness, and improved cross-government coordination on rural delivery, while other topics include transparency in decision-making, cooperation with devolved administrations, local authority investment, insourcing policy, and progress on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.

Westminster Hall Debate: Transport connectivity in the Midlands and North Wales - Wendy Morton MP

TUESDAY 20 JANUARY 2026

Oral Questions: Rising level of youth unemployment – Lord Leigh of Hurley

THURSDAY 22 JANUARY 2026

Debate: Impact of government policy on hospitality and retail sectors - Baroness Monckton of Dallington Forest

TUESDAY 20 JANUARY 2026

Grand committee: Legislation, English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill – committee stage (day 1) – Baroness Taylor of Stevenage

Oral Evidence: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee – The future of farming

WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY 2026

Oral Evidence: Environmental Audit Committee - Revised Environmental Improvement Plan

Oral Evidence: Energy Security and Net Zero Committee – The cost of energy

Housing, Communities and Local Government – Oral Questions

Several issues of relevance to rural communities were raised during Housing, Communities and Local Government questions in the House of Commons.

Rural Housing Targets And Affordability

Damian Hinds MP highlighted concerns that the housing affordability methodology has led to very large increases in housing targets in rural areas, including a doubling in parts of rural Hampshire. He warned that the formula may unintentionally skew the type of housing being delivered in rural communities. The Secretary of State confirmed there are no plans to change the methodology but said he would consider the specific concerns raised and respond in writing.

Social And Affordable Housing In Rural Areas

During questions on social and affordable housing in Banbury and the wider Cherwell district, Calum Miller MP explicitly asked whether national programmes would properly reflect the higher costs and delivery challenges of rural housing, so that people can remain in their communities rather than being displaced into nearby towns.

The Minister confirmed that the Government’s £39 billion social and affordable homes programme includes flexibility for rural housing, recognising that it can be more difficult and costly to deliver. He also pointed to proposed changes in the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) intended to strengthen provision for rural affordable housing.

Affordable Housing In Rural Villages

In Topical Questions, Peter Prinsley MP raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing in rural villages and the long-term sustainability of village communities. The Secretary of State said recent planning reforms would give rural authorities greater flexibility to require affordable housing on smaller sites, alongside access to the new social and affordable homes programme.

Read the full session transcript here.