The delivery of public services for which Defra is responsible will be shaken up to line up with the coalition Government’s commitments on service delivery. Mrs Spelman announced that, as part of the review of Defra’s arms length bodies, the Commission for Rural Communities will be abolished, with a strengthened Rural Communities Policy Unit within Defra. Mrs Spelman said:
“With an urgent need to drive down debt and reduce Government spending we will have to make some tough decisions. Our belief is that policy should be driven from the centre and that our arms lengths bodies will be efficient and effective in meeting customer needs. We are committed to improving the quality of life for those living in rural areas and we will put the fair treatment of rural communities at the centre of Government.
It is intended that the forthcoming Public Bodies (Reform) Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech will provide the legislative vehicle under which the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) will stop operating. In the interim, the CRC senior management team will provide a smooth transition back into central Government. In due course, there may be opportunities for some key existing CRC staff to join the Rural Communities Policy Unit in order to minimise the loss of experience. Together with staff already in the Department supporting Ministers on rural policy, these will form a new team to work across Government and beyond.
http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/2010/06/29/agencies-shake-up/
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