We recommend that DEFRA and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities set out a timeline and process by which to review and revise the Index of Multiple Deprivation with the aim of more accurately capturing rural deprivation. The Government should commit to reaching a position by the end of this year, 2023, whereby it can commence a consultation on draft changes to the Index and guidance for decision-makers, and how the Index should be used to support funding decisions.