Rural areas risk being left behind in drive for devolution

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 this week’s debate, MPs voted 365 in favour and 164 against the Bill. During the debate, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner 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.”