The countdown has started to our annual National Rural Conference and booking officially opens TODAY!

Over the course of the week, we will be taking a deep dive into some of the key issues effecting rural areas.  Topics under the spotlight include:

• Rural Fair Funding: How we can truly Level Up
• Rural Affordable Housing: A different approach
• Rural Transport: Community solutions

We will be joined by MPs who have been championing the rural case, including members of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Rural Services.  We will also be hearing from industry and the third sector about the challenges, and innovative solutions they are finding in rural areas.

The conference is aimed at Senior Officers, Members and policy makers along with those working to deliver services in rural areas.  It is an exciting opportunity to also network with like-minded colleagues and share learning and rural experiences. 

RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, says she believes this is the best line up yet: “We’re really excited about conference this year.  As well as exploring some of the key issues facing our rural communities, we will also be asking how the topic of ‘rural’ will feature in the next election. “For those of us working in this area, we know it is more than a mention in an official document.  To effect real change, we need to have a proper conversation about rural.  I’m looking forward to hearing what our members have to say.”

The conference is free to attend for Local Authorities who are members of the RSN, and those who are members of the Rural Services Partnership.  To find out more about the other benefits of becoming a member of the RSN, see the Membership pages of our website.