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Amid escalating concern about high-speed broadband infrastructure and connectivity, the essential role of digital terrestrial television (DTT), also known as Freeview, and broadcast radio services cannot be overstated, especially for millions of UK families living in rural communities. These...
Rural loneliness is a significant issue that affects many people living in our countryside. According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone and over half say they go over a...
The campaign has had an exciting start to 2024. We’ve mainly focused on engagement with the government’s Media Bill, which saw its Report Stage occur on the 30th January. We worked closely with a number of MPs to raise our...
BT have announced that they are temporarily pausing all non-voluntary, managed migrations to a digital landline where there is any risk that the customer’s telecare service will not continue to work. In a blog on their website BT say:...
The Chair of the APPG for Rural Services, Derek Thomas MP, sponsored a Westminster Hall Debate on 5th December focusing on loneliness and isolation in elderly and vulnerable people. A number of issues were raised which highlight the challenges...
The government’s proposed Media Bill will receive its Second reading in the House of Commons today (Tuesday 21 November 2023). The Bill represents the biggest update to media regulation in a generation and will shape the future of TV and...
The Rural Services Network Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, considers Professor Whitty’s new report which urges the government to address failings for older people in rural communities. Today the government’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has published his ...
Chaired by Luciana Berger , CEO of iNHouse Communications, and a former Managing Director at Edelman, where she specialised in health policy, Luciana was previously the Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree and held prominent front bench roles including Shadow...
RSN is lending its support this week to the Silver Voices campaign which aims to highlight the importance of broadcast TV and Radio to elderly communities. Tomorrow, the organisation will be publishing a report in partnership with Broadcast 2040+,...
New analysis carried out by the charity Age UK reveals that almost half (46%) of over-65s in the UK are unable to complete all eight of the most fundamental tasks required to use the internet safely and successfully. The figures also...
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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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