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This essay forms part of a collection of essays, Building consent: housing by popular demand published by Localis . Kerry Booth, Chief Executive Rural Services Network In July 2023, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an...
Last week, independent think-tank Localis published a collection of essays from leading planning experts and local council leaders setting out ideas for how popular approval for new housing and developments might be gained across communities. Entitled ‘...
Government ambitions for widespread adoption of 5G are at risk of being missed if actions outlined in the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy (WIS), which marked its first anniversary on 11 April, are not followed through. As one of the UK’s...
Groundbreaking analysis from the Countryside Charity, CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England), published last week, reveals that rural homes in England are leading the way in harnessing solar power. According to the report titled " Lighting the way: International policies...
Approximately £11 million collected from fines and penalties imposed on water companies will fund the newly established Water Restoration Fund (WRF), as announced by Environment Secretary Steve Barclay last week. This initiative aims to allocate these funds to...
In a significant boost for digital connectivity in Cornwall, Wildanet , a local contractor, has been awarded a £41 million contract to deliver gigabit-capable broadband across rural areas of East Cornwall, West Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. This...
The Week Ahead House of Commons Tuesday 16 April, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will be taking Oral Questions. Wednesday 17 April, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will be taking Oral...
This week, our " Winning the Rural Vote " campaign shines a spotlight on the pivotal chapter of Rural Planning. As we wrap up our series, it's crucial to recognise the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that lie within the realm...
As the leading advocate for rural services, we've been dedicated to ensuring that rural areas are empowered with a strong voice, effectively leveraging this influence for substantial progress this year. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank...
Royal Mail has announced a proposed overhaul of its service, aiming to address the challenges of plummeting letter volumes and financial losses. The proposal includes maintaining a six-day-a-week delivery service for first-class letters but reducing the frequency of...
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Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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