CEREDIGION MP Ben Lake has joined MPs from across the political divide in a bid to “identify opportunities to grow the rural economy”.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for the Rural Powerhouse is undertaking a comprehensive investigation into the health of the rural economy.

The inquiry started in May this year, taking evidence from rural businesses and representative bodies, as well as academics, government ministers and other experts.

Oral evidence sessions have covered farming and land use, the planning system, access to skills, mobile and electrical connectivity as well as exploring how the tax regime could be used to encourage diversification and entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Mr Lake took part in the final evidence session earlier this month - which investigated the role of government structures and procedures, asking whether they hinder or help in delivering rural objectives.

Mr Lake said: “There are over 500,000 rural businesses across Wales and England – they are the backbone of the rural economy.

“Closing the productivity gap between rural and urban communities is essential to ‘levelling up’.

“If we want to see thriving rural communities, we must ensure everyone has the opportunity for a good job and a good home.

“This inquiry will help identify changes in government policy necessary to deliver that goal.”

Mark Tufnell, President of the Country Land and Business Association which represents 28,000 rural businesses in England and Wales, said “closing the rural productivity gap would add £43bn to the economy.”