The Government has published its Future of Rural England Report, setting out a long-term vision for thriving rural communities and recognising the important contribution rural areas make to the nation’s economy, environment and society.

Cambridgeshire ACRE welcomes the report and its commitment to strengthen rural proofing, improve accountability across government and ensure rural communities benefit from future policy and investment.

For us, the report isn’t just a national strategy. It reflects many of the issues we hear every day from parish councils, village halls, community organisations and residents across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Here are five things that stand out.

1. Rural disadvantage is often hidden

One of the report’s strongest messages is that rural communities can appear prosperous while masking significant disadvantage.

People living in villages often face higher transport costs, fewer local services and greater isolation, yet these challenges can be overlooked when decisions are based on county-wide averages.

We see this through our Village Agent service, Community Hubs and work with rural communities across the county. Looking beyond the statistics is essential if support is to reach the people who need it most.

2. Community organisations are essential infrastructure

Village halls, volunteers, parish councils and community organisations are often the first place people turn when they need support.

The report recognises that these organisations are not simply an added extra. They are fundamental to resilient rural communities.

This reflects Cambridgeshire ACRE’s work to strengthen village halls, support volunteers and help communities develop local solutions to local challenges.

3. Affordable homes are critical to thriving villages

The report highlights the continuing shortage of affordable housing in rural areas and the impact this has on younger people, families and key workers.

Our Rural Housing Enabler team sees first-hand how affordable homes allow people to remain close to their families, jobs and communities, helping villages remain vibrant and sustainable.

4. Rural policy needs rural thinking

Perhaps the most important message is that rural communities should not be treated as smaller versions of towns and cities.

Policies need to reflect the realities of rural life, from transport and digital connectivity to healthcare, housing and economic opportunity.

The report’s commitment to stronger rural proofing, supported by a new cross-government Rural Board and improved measures of rural outcomes, is a positive step towards achieving this.

5. Commitments must lead to measurable change

The report includes welcome commitments to strengthen accountability, including a new cross-government Rural Board, improved measures of rural sustainability and resilience and clearer monitoring of progress.

This matters because rural proofing will only make a difference if it changes how policies, services and investment decisions are designed and delivered.

For communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the real test will be whether these commitments lead to fairer access to services, stronger local economies and better outcomes for people living and working in rural areas.

Looking ahead

The Future of Rural England Report is an encouraging step forward. The real measure of its success, however, will be whether it leads to better decisions, stronger communities and fairer outcomes for rural residents.

This is particularly timely as Cambridgeshire and Peterborough prepare for Local Government Reorganisation (although a decision on the proposed geographic footprints for the new unitary councils has now been delayed until the Autumn), when ensuring rural communities are understood and heard will be more important than ever.

Cambridgeshire ACRE will continue to champion rural communities, ensuring their voices are heard and helping to create places where people flourish, connections grow and communities thrive.