Policy Recommendations for Rural England

Based on the analysis of the English rural context and the current approach to rural development, this chapter offers a number of policy recommendations to help mainstreaming and rural mainstreaming better adapt to the heterogeneous and rapidly evolving context in rural England. The recommendations are captured under six overarching themes that emerged as a way to organise policy to enhance rural development in England. These are: i) develop more effective governance structures in the framework of decreasing budget outlays ii) enhance mainstreaming to increase the impact on rural communities iii) bridge a key divide by considering the needs of rural citizens in the Regional City framework iv) strengthen the rural economy v) ensure equitable access to services and vi) expand connectivity.