Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has welcomed the Government’s publication of Unleashing Rural Opportunities – a set of initiatives designed to support housing and energy, connectivity and transport, communities, and economic growth across rural communities in England.
Initiatives include investment of £110 million as part of the Rural England Prosperity Fund to provide capital grants to rural businesses; £7 million to test new ways to bring together satellite, wireless and fixed line internet connectivity to blackspots; £2.5 million specifically to boost the supply of new affordable housing in rural areas; and an increase in the number of doctors in under-served area through the Targeted Enhanced Recruitment Scheme. Speaking about the initiatives, Mr Loder said:
“Since being elected in 2019, I have continuously lobbied the Government to recognise the disparities that exist between rural and urban areas. These initiatives are a step in the right direction towards seriously addressing the challenges we face here in rural West Dorset”.
“I am particularly pleased that the Government will shortly publish a Dental Plan to reform and improve access to NHS dentistry; only last month did I lead a debate urging for significant changes in the South West. It is also welcome news that £200,000 in funding will be provided by the Home Office for the new National Rural Crime Unit to address theft of farm equipment, livestock worrying and fly tipping.”
You can find out more about Unleashing Rural Opportunities here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uplo…
