LOCAL authorities are being used to pursue projects which improve rural economic well-being.

Councils and other organisations should work harder to increase the well-being of communities they serve, said the Commission for Rural Communities.

In a bid to help them do so, the rural watchdog has launched two related reports.

The documents explain economic well-being and providing guidance relating to how the concept can be used.

The reports, Understanding economic well-being and Economic well-being – guidance for local authorities can be found here.

Good practice examples of economic well-being which are highlighted in the documents include:

• a campaign to help pensioners access benefits (Caradon, Cornwall)
• an initiative helping vulnerable people back into work (Rutland)
• a rural museum regeneration project (Suffolk)

Power for local authorities to pursue economic well-being was introduced in the Local Government Act 2000.

But a recent government report found that the use of this power by local councils was the exception rather than the rule.

Even so, commission chief executive Sarah McAdam said a number of rural authorities had developed projects to address local economic well-being.

She added: “We want to encourage others to learn from these examples.”

Focusing on economic well-being meant local authorities could take a broad view of the contributions made by people, businesses and communities.

These contributions ultimately led to a more healthy society.

They could also help to maximise the beneficial social and environmental impacts of economic activities.

“We believe this approach is particularly valuable in rural areas.”