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Bank closures and their impact on rural communities were firmly in the national spotlight last week, with the issue debated in Parliament and discussed on Sky News. Ahead of the debate, RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth joined Sky News...
A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) highlights significant weaknesses in the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government ’s (MHCLG) developer contributions system in England — a key mechanism for funding local infrastructure such as schools, roads,...
A new Private Members’ Bill has been introduced to Parliament that seeks to tighten planning rules for short-term holiday lets and second homes. The proposal would require property owners to apply for planning permission before letting out their properties on...
Campaign for Better Transport is calling for an additional £1 billion a year for buses as its analysis reveals four out of every ten wards in England and Wales (3,003 out of 7,608) do not have a ‘reasonable’ level of...
The Housing Community Summit will take place on 8–9 September 2025, bringing together thousands of housing professionals, politicians, and residents to celebrate the sector’s achievements and tackle today’s housing challenges. The National Housing Federation is calling for "extraordinary stories"...
The Rural Services Network was delighted to host its latest Member Exclusive Live Seminar on Rural Transport, last week. The session brought together expert speakers and an engaged member audience to explore the vital role that transport plays in enabling...
The Government has announced a new package of reforms and investment aimed at improving urgent and emergency care services in England. The plan , backed by nearly £450 million, was published by the Department of Health and Social Care ,...
The Rural Services Network is pleased to welcome Dan Jones, who joined our team last week in a Data and Finance Administrative Support role. Dan brings a wealth of experience in managing, analysing and presenting data — skills that...
The Government has published details of Proposal Development Contributions: Area Allocations , setting out funding to support areas submitting proposals for Local Government Reorganisation. £7.6 million has been made available to 21 areas in the form of Local Government...
Wednesday 11 June 2025 Ministerial Statement, Spending Review 2025, Rachel Reeves MP Westminster Hall Debate , NHS Funding in the South West, Steve Darling MP Thursday 12 June 2025...
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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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