New government fund to boost wireless networks in remote areas
6th June 2023
Farmers and rural businesses in the most remote areas will benefit from better access to wireless networks thanks to a £7 million fund announced today as part of government efforts to boost rural connectivity and encourage uptake of new technologies in agriculture.
The fund is set to test out new ways of bringing together satellite, wireless and fixed line internet connectivity, helping to support farmers and tourism businesses in accessing fast, reliable connectivity in remote areas for the first time.
The investment will also help rural businesses in trial areas make the most of new agricultural technologies by improving connectivity on their land, such as by using new drone technology to monitor crops and livestock in real-time, support landscape and wildlife conservation efforts, or develop interactive experiences for tourists.
The new fund is part of a wider government initiative to improve housing, transport, digital connectivity and jobs for rural communities and drive growth in the sector, as set out in a new publication ‘Unleashing Rural Opportunity’ released today.
The plan will be formally unveiled at the Future Countryside Conference by Secretary of State for Rural Affairs Thérèse Coffey, who commented:
“The countryside makes up over 90% of the UK’s land mass, it is home to millions of people, and contributes over £250 billion to our economy in England alone. Rural areas are rich in human and natural potential with strong communities and entrepreneurial businesses.
“We want to go further in unleashing that potential and support people in rural areas to build the sustainable future they want to see. Unleashing Rural Opportunity sets out what we have already delivered for rural communities and new initiatives to build on that record.”
The plan is split across four broad themes of housing, communities, connectivity and growth, including proposals to expand internet provision and scale up the availability of housing in rural areas.
It also includes proposals to make it easier for farmers to convert their redundant agricultural buildings into family homes by cutting red tape. Planning rules could be changed to provide a more generous threshold delivered through the more streamlined planning process, while providing local authorities with new powers to safeguard against second homes and holiday lets.
Moreover, the government has pledged to provide additional funding for the NPCC’s new national rural crime unit to help keep farmers and rural communities safe by tackling anti-social behaviour, equipment theft and fly-tipping. New legislation is set to be introduced shortly to increase fly-tipping and litter penalties and a consultation launched into using these fines to fund further action on fly-tipping.
In addition, there are plans explore the launch of a new fund to help smaller abattoirs improve productivity and enhance animal welfare with the aim to open the fund for applications later this year.
Commenting on the publication, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I have pledged to build a better future for people in this country, and our rural communities are right at the heart of that promise.
“That’s why I’m determined to make sure that their interests are front and centre of all our work to grow the economy and strengthen our communities – so that every part of our country gets the support it needs to thrive.”
