The final report of the Carnegie Commission for Rural Communities was presented on 20th June.  Drawing on examples from across the UK, the actions that it proposes include:

* A major expansion in community ownership of local assets
* An enhanced role for parish and community councils
* A Centre for Excellence supporting rural community development policy and practice on the ground
* Encouragement and assistance for local communities to develop and manage their own services and to engage in community planning.

http://rural.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/files/rural/A Charter for Rural Communities.pdf