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Plunkett UK has made two key appointments to bolster its work supporting rural community-owned businesses. David Lydiat has joined as Head of External Affairs, a newly created role bringing together policy, communications and membership. With a background in...
The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a critical new report examining the state of local bus services in England, highlighting a long-term decline in services outside London — with particularly concerning implications for rural communities. According to...
Hospice UK has published a significant new report, Bringing Care Closer to Home , which calls for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by people living in remote, rural and island communities when it comes to accessing...
Friday 4 July 2025 Private Members’ Bill , Rural crime (Strategy) Bill: Second Reading, Ben Maguire, MP North Cornwall Private Members’ Bill , Short-term Lets (Planning Permission) Bill: Second Reading, Ben Maguire, MP...
Social Mobility, An Opinion Piece by Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network Should Where You Are Born Limit Your Potential? In a report recently published by The Sutton Trust on Social Mobility, it...
Last week, Rural Services Network Chief Executive Kerry Booth gave oral evidence to the House of Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee as part of its ongoing inquiry into the barriers facing young people in rural areas. In...
The Government has published a major Written Ministerial Statement setting out the next stage of its plans to reform how local government in England is funded — and how council tax is administered. In the statement...
The Future of Rural Retail , launched by Plunkett UK , explores how community-owned shops can remain relevant in a fast-changing retail environment. Drawing on insights from a national taskforce of 19 retail leaders – including broadcaster Mary Portas...
The Rural Services Network is pleased to share details of new research from one of our members, the Community Transport Association (CTA), exploring the use of Section 22 permits in the delivery of community bus services. These services...
The Government has published a new 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy , setting out a long-term plan for investment in economic and social infrastructure across the country. The strategy aims to provide greater stability and coordination in how infrastructure is planned,...
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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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