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Rural Areas: Skilled Workers

Asked by Callum AndersonLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 8 December 2025UIN 95533

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Department records skills gaps identified by rural enterprises applying for Government support.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

Defra provides funding to rural businesses via the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The fund is devolved to local authorities, and each individual eligible local authority are responsible for running their own rounds of funding.

Defra does not record skills gaps identified by rural enterprises applying for Government support.

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