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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
The Plunkett Foundation has recently released its flagship reports into community pubs and community shops – showing both sectors to be in robust health as the country was plunged into the uncertainty of Covid-19 Plunkett’s “A Better Form of...
The Yorkshire Post reports on fears that young demographics are ‘pessimistic’ about their prospects in rural communities, seeing both the effects of the pandemic and Brexit as likely to compromise their chances of a successful future The report warns...
The Financial Times reported that regional airline Flybe could be flying again early next year after being bought by a former shareholder The airline went bankrupt in March. The Exeter-based airline, which collapsed after loan talks with the Government...
Former chairman of the National Trust Simon Jenkins writes in Country Life that the Trust is failing in its conservation obligation to the countryside He argues that the new white paper on the future of British planning from the...
The Local Government Chronicle reports on the launch of a new inquiry examining the effectiveness of devolution in England The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Devolution is calling for evidence on how central and local governments can work together more...
Yahoo Finance reports that estate agents are predicting house prices to be higher in a year’s time despite the economic crisis, with new figures suggesting the recent housing market boom shows no signs of slowing down The research also...
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network and produced in partnership with the Rural Housing Alliance, highlighting a selection of current rural housing issues and opportunities Planning White Paper – deadline for...
The Government recently released a new Planning White Paper – Planning for the Future which has sparked debate across the country about the role of democracy in the decision making process and the way that we plan for development in...
The BBC has reported on claims from former Conservative minister Lord O’Neill (CB) that the Government has yet to deliver on plans it has promised to boost ‘left behind’ parts of England The plan to shake-up local Government appears...
The Guardian has reported that city dwellers seeking an escape to the country or a second home in rural areas are ‘warping’ regional economies Since the end of lockdown house sales have risen dramatically in areas such as Wales,...
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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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