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The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has unveiled a comprehensive Digital Inclusion Action Plan , a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing digital skills and access across the UK. This action plan addresses a critical need, as...
Recent discussions in the House of Commons have brought to light the severe implications of bank closures in rural areas. Led by Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, a debate on bank closures in rural areas ...
The RSN hosted our Rural Connectivity Seminar last week, focusing on addressing the significant digital disparities affecting rural communities across the country. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including experts, policymakers, and local initiative leaders, to discuss...
A National Audit Office (NAO) report reveals critical sustainability issues in local government finances, driven by rising demands on essential services and delays in finance reform. Despite a 4% increase in total funding through the Local...
NALC announced this year’s Star Council Awards winners at a dazzling ceremony at the prestigious House of Lords on 25 February 2025. The event brought together councillors, clerks, MPs, parliamentarians, academics, national stakeholders and leading opinion...
Tuesday 4 March 2025 Westminster Hall Debate , The cultural heritage of market towns, Mr Bayo Alaba MP , Southend East and Rochford The RSN team will be reviewing transcripts of each of the above...
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced that select councils experiencing significant financial difficulties will receive additional government support to aid in balancing their budgets for the upcoming financial year. Thirty councils identified as facing...
A recent BBC report detailing the dramatic fall in house prices in Gwynedd following local council interventions offers a critical insight into the real-world impacts of regulatory changes on housing markets and local communities. This development in...
A recent State of Caring Survey conducted by Carers UK has exposed significant challenges faced by unpaid carers across the UK, revealing a distressing trend of overwhelm and inadequate support. The survey provides a crucial insight...
A concerning report from the Local Government Association (LGA) has highlighted a looming financial crisis that could affect over half of the councils responsible for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This crisis stems from...
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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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