Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Michael Jack (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 25 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Rural Economy

Question: Given that list of activities, why does the Minister think that the rural advocate, Stuart Burgess, said in his latest report that""the future viability of our rural communities is at risk if young people are unable to live and work"" in our rural areas?

Answer: The rural advocate, who was, of course, appointed by the Prime Minister, was absolutely right to point out those concerns. I, too, represent a rural constituency, and it is clear to me that young people are being forced to move out because there is a lack of affordable homes in rural communities. Local authorities have to work with Government and other people within rural communities to provide that housing, but that simply is not happening.

Secondary information