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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 State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday 11 May, marks the formal start of the parliamentary year. During the ceremony, the Queen’s Speech allows the Government to set out its priorities and programme for the coming session, including the legislation...
Now or never to save cash, Which? warns, as new research reveals ATMs and bank branch network cut to the bone Almost a quarter of free-to-use ATMs have vanished since 2018 and almost half of the UK’s bank branches...
The News and Star reports that the Campaign to Protect Rural England has warned new planning reforms, designed to support a 340,000 new homes per year target, could cost the Conservatives at the ballot box Concerns are mounting particularly...
Farmers Weekly reports that the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has called for the Government to overhaul its approach to tackling the housing crisis in rural communities Homes are becoming increasingly unaffordable to locals, while the rigid planning...
Learning, Skills & Education Insight on the RSN website has now been updated with an analysis examining overall effectiveness of state-funded schools inspected in England. The analysis presents Ofsted school inspection data for the period 1 September 2020 to 31...
Darlington and Stockton Times reports that the organisers of pioneering rural transport YorBus, trialling one of the country's first on demand services, announced that there are now more than 450 active users The service runs between Bedale, Masham and...
The BBC also reports that coronavirus lockdowns have created a cycling boom in England, with record numbers of people out on their bikes to get exercise and fresh air However, official data from the Department of Transport also shows...
The Herts Advertiser reports that a government planning policy which threatens local Green Belt is being challenged by St Albans MP Daisy Cooper The issue was raised to her by the Campaign for Colney, a pressure group campaigning against...
A joint letter has been signed by Citizens Advice, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, Age UK, and Action with Communities in Rural England calling on the Chancellor to continue to support rural post offices at the upcoming Spending Review...
The Daily Express reports that a YouGov poll by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) revealed that only two in five 16 to 25-year-olds who are living in the countryside anticipate staying there over the next five years ...
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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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