The Commission for Rural Communities was established as a division of the Countryside Agency on 1 April 2005, as a result of Defra's Rural Strategy, and became an Non-Departmental Public Body on 1 October 2006, following the enactment of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. The Commission provides well-informed, independent advice to government and ensures that policies reflect the real needs of people living and working in rural England, with a particular focus on tackling disadvantage. The Commission has three key functions: