The LRP's Principles and Priorities are fully outlined in the Leicestershire Rural Framework. This has recently been updated to cover the period 2022-2030.

Vision

In 2030 rural Leicestershire will be made up of thriving, inclusive, digitally well connected and healthy communities and businesses, that are adapting to the challenges posed by climate change to become resilient and maximising the opportunities offered by a net zero carbon future.

Principles

• Understand needs - Develop a single voice for the rural businesses and residents of Leicestershire through shared intelligence and evidence to highlight issues that require intervention.
• Shape policy - Work collectively to influence national / local policy, and funding, including through joint responses to consultations where appropriate.
• Support and facilitate - Support the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership to effectively respond to the needs of the rural economy and help facilitate robust business cases for funding to implement solutions on an ongoing basis.

Priorities

• Priority 1 - Climate Change and the Environment
• Priority 2 - Rural inclusion and skills including supporting those furthest from the labour market move closer to work.
• Priority 3 - Support small and micro businesses in rural areas to expand, diversify and grow
• Priority 4 - Support sectors of significant importance to rural areas e.g. tourism, food and drink, professional and technical services and land-based businesses
• Priority 5 - Improve physical and digital connectivity
• Priority 6 - Shaping communities and places

Rural Framework Data

The Rural Framework is based on a rural evidence base produced in 2018 by our Business Intelligence Service, with figures updated where appropriate. We have used the official measure of rurality which is the 2011 Rural Urban Classification from ONS. The Business Intelligence Service has taken this classification to create the following dashboard. This uses data at an LSOA level and as such, fits neatly with ONS Mid-Year Population estimates, meaning we can report the urban/ rural population of the county with a relatively high degree of accuracy. In particular, you might find the map on the 'where are our communities located' tab helpful.

Below is a table summarising the urban and rural population and area of the county. From the data, it's clear that the county is predominantly rural by area, but urban by population.

2018 Rural Evidence Base. 2020 ONS Mid Year Population Estimates.