Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help tackle rural urban pay disparities and ensure that those living in rural areas have improved access to better paid employment opportunities.

The Government is committed to ensuring that people in rural areas can access good, well-paid jobs and share in the benefits of economic growth. Our Future of Rural England Report sets out action to tackle barriers to rural growth, including skills shortages and transport and digital connectivity.

The Government is also giving local leaders greater powers to support growth in their areas. The Fiscal Devolution Roadmap outlines our approach to giving Strategic Authorities greater control over funding and a greater stake in local economic growth, complementing wider devolution of powers including over skills and transport.

Defra will continue to work across Government to ensure rural needs are reflected in policy and investment decisions, helping rural communities realise their economic potential.