Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has expressed his support for a rural-focussed amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Amendment 6 requires more specific reporting in relation to levelling-up and rural proofing: it will require the Government to have regard to the needs of rural communities in preparing the statement of Levelling Up missions. The Bill is currently at its penultimate stage, with consideration by the Commons of amendments made by the House of Lords. Mr Loder said:
“It was nearly a year ago that I spoke in Parliament emphasising the need for the Government to consider the interests of rural areas – including West Dorset - when it comes to Levelling Up. All too often, the focus on tackling regional inequality has been centred on urban areas and the North: by contrast, rural Britain is frequently overlooked.”
He added: “Once passed, this rural-focussed amendment will be firmly embedded in the legislation. It will anchor Government policy and decision making, and it will place significant emphasis on the importance of the rural voice and lifestyle.”
