Spending review is ‘missed opportunity’

Last month’s government spending review was a missed opportunity to boost rural economic growth, says the Country Land & Business Association.

Much of the focus was understandably on fighting the fallout from coronavirus. But CLA president Mark Bridgeman said the government did little to show that “building back better” will apply to the rural economy.

“Rural productivity is 16% below the national average,” he said: “If government takes steps to close that productivity gap, then £43bn will be unlocked into the economy, creating jobs and strengthening communities.”