A REPORT demonstrating the vital contribution that rural businesses make to the region’s economy is being launched today by the CLA.

Standing Up for Rural Businesses is being presented by CLA president Ross Murray to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Business in the House of Commons.

The report demonstrates the vital contribution that rural businesses make to Yorkshire and the North-East’s countryside and to the wider economy.

It highlights key issues for rural areas within the current political agenda, focusing on the Housing and Planning Bill, the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill, and the anticipated Digital Economy Bill.

CLA north regional director Dorothy Fairburn said: “Yorkshire and the North-East is buzzing with economic potential. Last year, the CLA’s rural business league table revealed local pride in and loyalty towards rural businesses is amongst the highest in the country.

“Despite this, rural businesses are often overlooked by government. We are the Cinderella of the UK economy. The CLA’s vision is that a person setting up or growing a rural business should have the same opportunities as anyone seeking to do so in towns and cities.

“Successful rural businesses – from food, farming and forestry to tourism, leisure and retail – are the heartbeat that sustains the countryside. The CLA is committed to standing up for rural businesses.”

The Standing Up for Rural Businesses report highlights four priorities relating to the current political agenda - digital connectivity, the planning system, rural housing and devolution.