Community Development Action Hertfordshire
Policy and Rural Insight
Rural Policy
Making sure rural Hertfordshire is seen, heard and understood.
CDA Herts works to ensure that the needs and experiences of rural communities are considered when policies, services and investment decisions are developed.
Through Rural Voice, we bring together local evidence, community experience and practical insight to influence decision-makers across Hertfordshire and beyond.
A Voice for Rural Hertfordshire
Rural communities make a major contribution to the economy, environment and identity of Hertfordshire. However, their needs can be overlooked when policies and services are designed around larger towns and urban populations.
Rural communities can face particular challenges, including limited public transport, reduced access to services, poor digital connectivity, a shortage of affordable housing, higher energy costs and an ageing population.
CDA Herts works with residents, community organisations, parish councils, village halls, voluntary groups and public bodies to identify these challenges and develop practical responses.
Policy Publications
Our policy work brings together national developments, local evidence and practical experience from rural communities across Hertfordshire.
The publications below set out the wider policy context and CDA Herts’ response to the opportunities and challenges facing rural Hertfordshire.
Rural Hertfordshire in a New Era of Local Government
CDA Herts has published a new policy paper examining what the move to four unitary authorities could mean for rural communities across Hertfordshire and the role local rural assets can play in practical delivery..
Read the paper below or download a copy for later.
Future of Rural England
The Government’s Future of Rural England report sets out its approach to supporting rural communities, businesses and places.
It includes commitments relating to rural proofing, access to services, housing, transport, digital connectivity, economic development and the role rural communities can play in delivering national priorities.
The report provides the national policy context for CDA Herts’ work and for our paper on the future of rural Hertfordshire.
Read the report below or download a copy for later.
Evidence from Communities
Our policy work is grounded in the experiences of rural residents and the organisations that support them. We gather evidence through community engagement, surveys, local projects, events and conversations with rural organisations.
This evidence helps us identify emerging issues, demonstrate the impact of policy decisions and recommend practical improvements.
Working with Decision-Makers
CDA Herts engages constructively with local authorities, health bodies, elected representatives, funders and other organisations whose decisions affect rural communities.
We aim to provide an independent and informed rural perspective, identify workable solutions and help ensure that rural communities are included in Hertfordshire’s future.
Rural Proofing Starts Now
Good rural policy begins by asking a simple question:
How will this decision affect people living and working in rural communities?
By asking that question at the beginning, organisations can design services and policies that work better for everyone.