The Coalition Government took its first step yesterday in what is promised to be a massive cull of Labour-created quangos by axing the Commission for Rural Communities.

The commission, one of the later creations of New Labour, was set up four years ago to steer developments in market towns and villages but its work will now be taken over by a strengthened unit in the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Defra Secretary Caroline Spelman made the announcement as part of a shake-up in making the delivery of services more efficient and added:

“With an urgent need to drive down debt and reduce Government spending we will have to make some tough decisions. Our belief is that policy should be driven from the centre and that our arms lengths bodies will be efficient and effective in meeting customer needs.

“We are committed to improving the quality of life for those living in rural areas and we will put the fair treatment of rural communities at the centre of Government.

“Focusing rural policy making within the department will give rural communities and interest groups a direct link to central policymakers and a stronger champion for rural issues at the heart of Government.

“Mrs. Spelman also announced that Animal Health and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency would be merged as soon as possible.

“These two agencies both work to combat animal diseases, and by bringing together their services, expertise and scientific capability, we will improve our resilience and create a strong organisation that provides a range of services from on farm advice and emergency response,” she said.