Approaches to rural proofing: review report

1. Introduction

This report outlines the findings of a high-level review of international approaches to rural proofing, to support work to develop a rural policy approach for Scotland.

The methods included: a review of policy documents and guidance from other countries that were available in English, readily accessible online and published in the last 5 years; and a review of a small number of relevant and recent reports on this topic produced for the Scottish Government and European Commission.

This report outlines the findings of a high-level review of international approaches to rural proofing, to support work to develop a rural policy approach for Scotland.

The European Union defines rural proofing as:

‘reviewing policies through a rural lens, to make these policies fit for purpose for those who live and work in rural areas. In practice, it considers, for policies in the making, the actual and potential, positive or negative, direct and indirect impacts and implications on rural jobs, development prospects, social well-being, equal opportunities for all and the environmental quality of rural areas and communities.’^[6]

Firstly, this review outlines key points from recent work on the effectiveness of rural proofing, wider rural proofing work across Europe, and critiques of the process. It then summarises rural proofing approaches within nine countries:

1. Northern Ireland

2. England

3. Wales

4. Spain

5. Finland

6. New Zealand

7. Canada

8. Australia

9. Korea

The majority of these countries have developed tools such as a checklist or questionnaire for policy makers to complete as part of their rural proofing process, and in some cases these have been revised over time.

The proportion of the population that lives in rural areas in these nine countries ranges from below a fifth (15%) to over a third (37%), compared to 17% of the population of Scotland. Their approaches are summarised in Tables 1-9.

Methods

The case-study summaries are based on a high-level review of policy documents and guidance available in English by Scottish Government researchers, readily accessible online and published within the last 5 years. Each of the case studies includes, where available:

• The definition of rural proofing used;
• A summary of the approach taken and accompanying guidance;
• Links to specific tools, for example questionnaires.

This summary also references several recent and relevant research reports on the topic of rural proofing. It should be noted that this review was not systematic. It focuses on a number of key reports and references wider pieces of work that have previously been carried out. The methods did not involve a wider evidence review of academic literature.

Furthermore, it should be noted that this review is not comprehensive as it focuses on one group of countries. Further international examples can be found in the studies referenced. Lastly, we did not contact policy makers in the countries included to discuss the tools reviewed here.

A list of references is included at the end of this report. These references and further resources should be referred to for a more detailed discussion of rural proofing and wider debates around this topic.