Gordon Hector, a Trustee of Plunkett UK, gave evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse on Tuesday for their inquiry: ‘How does rural fit into the devolution agenda?’
Rural communities risk being overlooked under devolution if new authorities prioritise urban areas. Many lack sufficient understanding of rural economies, meaning funding models and services may fail to reflect rural realities. Rural businesses face additional costs and challenges – such as transport, supply chains and workforce shortages – yet this is rarely recognised in support frameworks.
Community‑owned businesses also deliver vital social and economic benefits beyond commercial activity, but these contributions are often undervalued in policy and funding criteria. Devolution could further fragment support for rural areas, creating inconsistent regional priorities and increasing administrative burdens for organisations like Plunkett. In doing so, we risk losing the efficiencies and economies of scale that such national co-ordination can provide in delivering support to our community business members.
Rural areas are already disadvantaged in national funding decisions. Tools such as the Index of Multiple Deprivation often miss hidden rural poverty, while schemes like Pride in Place lack clarity on their rural reach – risking continued underinvestment in rural communities.
A Community Right to Buy a local asset or business has been included in the government’s English Devolution Bill, which was first announced in July 2025. As part of this, communities will be given an extended 12-month period (currently six months) to raise funding.
At the inquiry in Parliament, Gordon highlighted two key priorities: supporting community ownership and rural proofing devolution.
Reflecting on the session, he said:
“In smaller places, relatively small sums can have outsize effect. Plunkett’s proposal for a £10m Community Ownership Fund is tiny in government terms, and a lot smaller than the previous iteration under the Conservative government. However, it would be transformative for communities, with 30 times the Gross Value Added created and more than 500 places helped.”
“Devolution in England can create more coherent strategic leadership for key public and economic services, particularly transport and childcare. However, there is a real risk that new authorities don’t reflect rural places enough. There is some interesting work around the UK and Europe on ‘rural-proofing’ or using a ‘rural lens’ – it should be used.”
Gordon was joined in the inquiry by Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network (of which Plunkett is a member); Corrinne Pluchino, Chief Executive of ACRE; and Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council and Vice Chair of the District Council Network. John Milne MP, Chair of the APPG, chaired the session.
Gordon became a Plunkett Trustee in November 2024. He is a policy and strategy professional, and has worked as a consultant to governments, companies and charities on economics, public services and placemaking. He lives in rural Fife and is passionate about rural development and community-led policymaking.
