The Rural Economy inquiry report was published on 27 April 2019, in it the Committee have called for a comprehensive national-level rural economic strategy, to be delivered locally via communities, councils and businesses.

The House of Lords Select Committee on the Rural Economy was appointed on 17 May 2018 to consider the rural economy, and while there have been studies of particular aspects of the rural economy, such as agriculture, and digital connectivity, the ad hoc inquiry sought to bring these issues together, considering the rural economy as a whole.

In July 2018 the Committee began taking written and oral evidence; CCB’s national body Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE) was a contributing organization. They have today released a statement saying “ACRE and the ACRE Network warmly welcome and support the House of Lords Rural Economy Committee in their call for an England Rural Strategy and their commitment to ensuring that no resident or business should be disadvantaged unreasonably by their rural location. It’s imperative that Government respond quickly so the action to which they agree can be factored into the Comprehensive Spending Review currently being carried out by the Treasury.”

The Lords’ call is the latest in a clamour for an equal approach to public services in rural areas.  ACRE, the Rural Services Network, the Rural Coalition and many other organisations have already signed up to an online campaign calling for a Rural Strategy for England.

ACRE Chair David Emerson CBE said, “We are delighted that the House of Lords Rural Economy Committee has made the call for a Rural Strategy for England central to its report.  This adds great weight to the calls of the many rural bodies who see an urgent need for a more joined up approach to policy in rural areas.  The acid test will be not only be in Government’s response to their Lordships’ recommendations, but in achieving positive change for rural people who feel all too often that central Government doesn’t understand them.”

All eyes will now be on the Government who must respond to the recommendations made by the Committee. It is the hope of many that Government will rise to the challenge of an England Rural Strategy and unlock the sleeping giant of potential that rests in our rural areas.

Nominations are now open for West Berkshire’s annual Learner Achievement Awards (LAA).

The LAA celebrate the outstanding achievements of adult learners in West Berkshire and cover apprenticeships, professional, academic and vocational courses and learning programmes to support families, communities and health and wellbeing.

Sponsored by Newbury College, West Berkshire Training Consortium, and the Newbury Community Resource Centre, the awards are part of the national Festival of Learning and are organised by West Berkshire Council on behalf of the West Berkshire Community Learning Partnership.

The LAA 2019 will be presented by local author and popular cartoonist Sam Davies in June at Shaw House, Newbury,  Sam is the talent behind the recently launched Hex Vet: Witches in Training children’s book.

To make a nomination and for further details on the 11 award categories go to www.westberks.gov.uk/laa2019. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday, 3 May 2019.

Keep Britain Tidy is seeking new #LitterHeroes Ambassadors to join their volunteer programme and they need your help!

During your work you may meet members of the public who want to volunteer and have a real passion for community engagement and keeping public spaces clean. We’d love you to encourage them to apply to join our enthusiastic #LitterHeroes Ambassadors in becoming community activators across the UK.

The #LitterHeroes Ambassador programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and aims to support community cohesion, improve public spaces and help benefit mental and physical wellbeing.

All people need to do is; apply directly online via https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LHAapply2019

Applications close on Monday 6th May 2019.
Successful applicants will be notified of next steps during the week commencing 6th May.

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Mary Bayliss, who died last week.

Mrs Bayliss was involved with many local charities and was Connecting Communities in Berkshire’s Patron from 2008-2015.

Chief Officer of CCB, Tim Parry, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of The Honourable Mrs Mary Bayliss. During her time as our Patron she supported many of our community focused events. We are very grateful for the kindness and support she showed CCB through her patronage. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with her family at this sad time.”