New manifesto sets out what rural and coastal areas need to unlock growth

Britain’s Leading Edge has launched a new manifesto setting out how rural and coastal areas can help deliver some of the UK’s biggest priorities, including economic growth, clean energy, food security, defence and climate resilience. 

Britain’s Leading Edge is a network of rural and coastal councils from across England. It brings together places without a major city to speak with one voice on the issues they share and is recognised by the Local Government Association as a special interest group. 

The manifesto makes a clear case to government and national partners. Rural and coastal areas already make a major contribution to the country, from renewable energy generation and food production to defence infrastructure, strategic industries and environmental resilience. With the right policy support and investment, they can do even more to strengthen the UK’s economy and long-term resilience.  

It also sets out why change is needed. Too often, national policy and investment have focused on cities and large urban areas, even though rural and coastal places face their own pressures and have their own strengths. These include higher infrastructure costs, weaker transport and digital links, pressure on housing and extra challenges in delivering services across large rural areas. 

Britain’s Leading Edge is calling for fairer investment and a stronger voice in national decision-making. Its asks include better support for energy and grid infrastructure, stronger transport and digital connectivity, fairer recognition of the cost of delivering public services in rural areas, and policies that fully reflect the role these places can play in growth, energy security, food resilience and net zero. 

The manifesto also sets out a shared commitment from member councils to work with government, parliamentarians and partner organisations to help unlock opportunity, improve quality of life and support more balanced growth across the country. 

Dorset Council provides leadership and secretariat support to the group. 

Cllr. Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council and Chair of Britain’s Leading Edge, said: 

“Rural and coastal areas have a huge amount to offer, but too often they are overlooked when national decisions are made. 

“This manifesto is about being clear and practical. Places like Dorset can help grow the economy, support the UK’s energy and food security, and create good jobs for local people. But we need national policy and investment to match that ambition. 

“Britain’s Leading Edge is making a strong case for fairer support for areas like ours, so we can unlock more opportunities for residents, businesses and communities.” 

You can read the full manifesto online.