Author: <span>Philip Cornish</span>
26 Jan 2013
Split over changes to planning rules
PROPOSALS to ease planning rules will put the countryside at risk, say conservationists. Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles announced a wide-ranging loosening of planning controls on Friday (25...
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25 Jan 2013
Rural economy review ‘is working’
THE government says its £165m package of support measures unveiled in 2011 for the rural economy is bearing fruit. The rural economy growth review includes support for five rural growth...
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21 Jan 2013
Government accepts rural services are underfunded
THE government says it accepts that rural areas are underfunded when it comes to delivering public services. Andrew Lansley, Leader of the House of Commons, said he acknowledged that the...
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21 Jan 2013
Councils face pothole nightmare
RURAL business leaders are urging councils not to cut back on repairs to roads damaged by freezing temperatures. With councils already facing severe budget cuts, business leaders said minor roads...
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17 Jan 2013
Faster broadband benefits e-learners
RECENT approval for the upgrade of the UK’s rural broadband network has been welcomed by distance learning service providers. The £530m rural broadband scheme will improve web services in the...
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17 Jan 2013
Benefits shake-up hits rural families
RURAL families will be hardest hit by government plans to cap benefit increases, a leading charity has warned. The higher cost of living in the countryside means rural communities will...
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17 Jan 2013
Collaboration is ‘key for rural business’
WORKING well together is a key factor behind the success of some rural micro-businesses, says a report. The assertion is made in a policy paper that pinpoints key factors behind...
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14 Jan 2013
MPs rally for fairer rural funding
A CROSS-PARTY group of MPs has called on the government to reconsider the impact its funding settlement will have on rural communities. The group of more than 45 MPs said...
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11 Jan 2013
Deal brings broadband ‘step closer’
RURAL leaders have struck a deal they say will bring faster broadband speeds a step closer for the countryside. The deal means not-for-profit and private companies looking to install infrastructure...
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08 Jan 2013
Reduced fuel duty for remote areas?
THE government is to “consider the case” for reducing the amount of fuel duty paid by remote rural communities. The Rural Fuel Duty Rebate already gives motorists on remote Scottish...
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