Committee publication · Correspondence · 20 May 2026
Correspondence from the Department for Work and Pensions relating to rural proofing policies, dated 21 January 2026
Summary
Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, responds to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee's December 2025 inquiry on rural proofing policies. The DWP confirms it takes rural proofing seriously, focusing on service delivery accessibility rather than policy design differences. The Department details pilots including Jobcentre vans in rural areas, Economic Inactivity Trailblazers, and WorkWell support, while noting limited formal collaboration with Defra on rural issues.
Key findings
- DWP employs a 'cluster analysis' of 14 labour market types rather than simple rural/urban division to tailor employment support to local needs
- Connect to Work programme (£1 billion) includes funding adjustments for rural staffing, premises, and additional costs; targeting 300,000 people by end of decade
- Nine Economic Inactivity Trailblazers (£80m in 2025/26, further £80m confirmed for 2026/27) are testing rural-specific interventions addressing transport, digital connectivity, and isolation
- Jobcentre vans trial underway in Bolton, Scottish Highlands, and North Wales; fleet expanding to nine vans by end of January with focus on hard-to-reach rural communities
- DWP acknowledges no regular formal engagement with Defra on rural proofing; offers welcome for future collaboration
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Pat McFadden MP, Alistair Carmichael MP, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Local Authorities, Neath Port Talbot Trailblazer
Notable line
“Where rural proofing is more relevant to us is in how services are delivered, because it is important that DWP services are accessible to everyone.”
Key Quotes
“I can confirm that the Department for Work and Pensions takes its obligation to rural proofing seriously.”
“Where rural proofing is more relevant to us is in how services are delivered, because it is important that DWP services are accessible to everyone.”
“This includes rural areas, whose residents may face barriers unique from those in urban areas, such as transport, connectivity and availability of nearby local services”
“Whilst we currently do not have regular engagement in place with Defra colleagues regarding rural proofing specifically, my Department welcomes any future engagement with Defra on this matter.”
“The trial is helping us to understand how to reach and support customers and the economically inactive - particularly those facing barriers - especially in rural communities where access to traditional Jobcentres can be challenging.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗