To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the effect on public services in rural communities of immigration from countries acceding to the EU in (a) 2004 and (b) 2007. (188599)

My Department has recently established a new directorate with a remit to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the impacts of migration on communities and local services. Communities and Local Government will work across government to maximise the benefits of migration and support local providers to address any transitional impacts on public services in local areas, including rural communities.