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As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on a year shaped by shared learning, collaboration and a strong collective voice for rural communities. Across our membership, the RSN has continued to champion fair funding,...
Local Authorities across the country are waiting for the Provisional local Government Finance Settlement, due to be published this week. This will be the first settlement following changes made to the funding formula by the Government for the first time...
The government has launched an independent review examining how mental health, ADHD and autism services are currently delivered, amid rising demand and growing pressures across the system. The review, led by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy, will investigate what is...
The Government has published its new Child Poverty Strategy, setting out measures it says will lift around 550,000 children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament. The strategy outlines plans to reduce living costs for families, increase childcare...
New research published by the Commercial Services Group examines how well public sector organisations are prepared for the reforms set out in the Employment Rights Bill, which introduces significant changes to employment rights and workplace practices across the UK. The...
The Local Government Association last week published a report entitled ‘A force for growth: Spotlighting the role of councils in enabling inclusive economic growth’. Produced in partnership with the Future Governance Forum, the report identifies the essential role that councils...
WEDNESDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2025 Oral Questions to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology The questions focus on different elements on AI and Economic Growth and include the following question:What discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Duchy...
NFSP postmasters have achieved a significant milestone in Period 7, surpassing the Evri scan-out Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the first time since the measure was introduced. The network recorded a scan-out performance of 97.3%, comfortably above the 97% target....
New research shows how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities - if rural priorities are embedded in local strategies and supported by national safeguards. Alongside English Rural, we believe housing is the foundation...
The finalists for the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Star Council Awards 2025/26 have now been announced following a rigorous assessment process and a record number of nominations from across England. The awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the...
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HOT TOPICS
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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