Rural manifesto must be picked up by Welsh Assembly candidates
The economic and structural future of rural Wales must be a cornerstone of the next term of the Senedd, a Mid Wales architect and champion of rural Wales has said.
Politicians of all parties must sit up and consider the overwhelming evidence published in the Welsh Local Government Association’s Rural Manifesto to safeguard rural communities, according to Doug Hughes who has served on a range of planning and economic groups in Mid Wales.
The rural manifesto, sets out seven key points to “reinvigorate rural communities.” The document was published ahead of the Welsh governmet elections in May.
“All too often the economy, infrastructure and communities within rural Wales have been an after-thought when it comes to mainstream government policies in Wales. For years we’ve been demanding parity with urban areas of the country when it comes to economic and social policies and yet become a secondary consideration,” said Mr Hughes, Managing Director and Principal Architect of Hughes Architects which has offices in Powys.
“The WLGA has compiled and published a robust manifesto that must be discussed and debated in order for the voice of businesses and communities in rural Wales to be heard.
“From planning policies to economic support, the impact of policies made in Cardiff must make a positive difference to the people and communities of our rural communities.”
The manifesto calls for the Welsh goverment to: Support the diversifying of the economic base with a circular economy approach to natural rural products; Create a targeted rural youth programme to invest, upskill, attract and retain bright and talented young people in rural communities; Add value to rural infrastructure; Ensure sustainable tourism supporting local communities, businesses and people; Tailor housing policies to reflect local community needs; Invest in a Smart and Thriving Rural Towns initiative; Support community wealth building and address the ‘Missing Middle’.
Mr Hughes said the £150m Mid Wales Growth Deal that moved forward in December was just one part of strengthening the economy of rural Wales.
“But that is a small part of what needs to be done to secure the long-term future. It is more an enabler than a solution. I call on all Senedd candidates, whether seeking election in a rural or urban constituency, to consider the manifesto and understand what we need to help our communities succeed.”
