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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
Rural schools will lose out because of an unfair funding formula, the Rural Services Network has warned. Inconsistencies in funding for individual schools with similar characteristics across the country are too great, said the network. The network issued...
Experts have called for a more holistic approach to rural policy as the UK prepares to leave the European Union. It comes as the government prepares to trigger the Article 50 exit process. Prime Minister Theresa May is...
The Buses Bill must deliver for rural communities, says Claire Walters. Set for royal assent in May this year, the Buses Bill is being widely heralded as an opportunity to improve bus services for the benefit of all passengers....
Representatives from England's 10,000 parish and town aim to raise their profile by marching on parliament. The third ever 'Lobby Day' by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) will see local councillors meet with parliamentarians at Westminster. Community...
The government has published its latest guidance to assess the effects of its policies on rural areas. Rural areas are home to one-fifth of England's population and a quarter of all registered businesses – contributing over 16% of England's economy...
GRANTS of up to £5000 are on offer to communities who want to set up their own rural transport scheme in Dorset. The Community Transport Grant will fund costs associated with starting up and operating a scheme. Funding...
The Rural Services Network has welcomed a government decision to abandon a planned increase in national insurance payments by the self-employed. The U-turn by the government came a week after chancellor Philip Hammond used his 8 March Budget to...
Bus services have been hit hard by funding cuts with over 500 routes completely withdrawn or reduced in 2016/17. Nearly £30m has been cut from local authority supported bus funding in the last financial year, according the Campaign for Better...
THE government's Budget contained little joy for businesses in the countryside, say rural leaders. The Country Land and Business Association welcomed a cap on business rates but said it was "insufficient for thousands of rural businesses facing immediate harm"....
CAMPAIGNERS have called for a more strategic approach to rural land use and the countryside. The proposals are contained in a new pamphlet published on Sunday (5 March) by the Campaign to Protect Rural England . A national...
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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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