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The Rural Services Network (RSN) is thrilled to announce the National Rural Conference 2024, taking place from 16th to 19th September. This virtual event, accessible via Zoom, is the premier gathering for senior officers, members, policymakers, and rural service professionals.
Further information and booking details can be found here
ATM machine operator Link has established the Community Access to Cash Delivery Fund to tackle concerns that it is becoming harder to access cash, as reported by ITV The fund is currently worth £1 million, but more money is...
Vodafone UK has announced that it has agreed to share ‘unused’ 4G radio spectrum with StattoOpencell in a bid to improve rural connectivity ISPReview reports that the decision, which has been called an ‘industry first’ will help provide high-speed...
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has warned that one in four rural businesses could be facing bankruptcy in a no-deal Brexit situation, as reported by the Guardian. In general, rural areas voted in favour of Brexit in...
The Rural Services Network featured in this months Local Government First with an article about the Time for a Rural Strategy campaign Cllr Cecilia Motley (Con) is Chair of the Rural Services Network and Shropshire County Council’s Rural Issues...
The future of the bus report was produced by the Campaign for Better Transport a few weeks ago. They welcome the Government announcement today that it intends to deliver on their core recommendations to produce a National Bus Strategy. ...
ITV reports that a farmer is lobbying to keep her farm in Scotland as an official black spot to attract tourists wishing to go ‘off-grid’. Owners of the farm have asked authorities to prevent the introduction of 3G, 4G...
The Guardian covers news that retailers and unions have called for government action after new data shows the number of empty shops, pubs and restaurants is ‘rising at the fastest pace in nearly a decade’ Analysis by PwC and...
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has expressed opposition to proposed Government plans to relax planning laws for new mobile masts, as reported by ISPreview The proposals are part of the Government’s plan to improve mobile coverage in...
Following the announcement by the Chancellor in his Spending Round of £200 million to “put the wheels back on the Great British Bus”, Campaign for Better Transport sets out the policy interventions the Government should pursue to support this vital...
Our Chief Executive (Graham Biggs) has had an article published for Rural Urban Connection which can be viewed below: As someone who has spent decades arguing the case for better investment by the government into our rural areas,...
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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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