T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
The Final Local Government Finance Settlement is now confirmed. Our updated analysis examines the implications for rural areas. Read more.
News
The Department for Transport has published Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport, setting out a long-term vision for a transport system that is “safe, reliable, affordable and accessible” across England. The strategy is built around three core principles; people,...
“None of the 300 Communities Are Here”: Cornwall Calls Out Government Over Missed Support Plunkett UK and local campaigners in Cornwall called on the government to provide even stronger support for rural communities during a recent event at The Eden...
Clear new rules on how households sort their recycling and waste have come into force across England, aiming to end longstanding confusion and support more consistent, streamlined collections. The Simpler Recycling scheme is designed to boost recycling rates and reduce...
A Llandwrog pub is enhancing its support for local residents by expanding its community facilities to support social connection and accessibility. Ty’n Llan is a busy community hub which, since reopening in 2021, provides a safe and welcoming space where...
People living and working across the UK’s upland and grazing landscapes are being invited to share their views as part of a major European research project exploring how land is used and how different interests can better work together. Led...
MONDAY 13 APRIL 2026 Oral Questions: To Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Tabled questions have an emphasis on how national policies are affecting people at a local level. A significant portion of questions relate to housing quality and...
Last week we held another highly engaging RSN member-exclusive seminar, this time focused on rural communities. The session brought together a strong mix of national insight and local experience, with a clear emphasis on how community-led approaches can help address...
Peers have continued detailed discussions on the Government’s English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, with recent debates focusing on how new powers will work in practice, and who will hold them to account. A clear theme running through the debates...
Council tax for the average Band D property across England and Wales will rise by 4.9% in 2026/27, reveals analysis undertaken by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and Infoshare+. Council tax for the average Band D...
A new report from The Connection Project, Misconnected: How the UK can choose a better digital future, warns that the UK’s shift to digital services is not working equally for everyone – with important implications for rural communities. While the...
NEWSLETTER
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
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.
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.
Part of and working with:
