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The Rural Services Network has put together an initial overview of the Government’s 2025 Budget, highlighting the headline measures and the early implications for rural areas across energy, transport, housing, public services, skills and local government funding. At this...
We’re delighted to launch the RSN Member Exclusive Seminar Programme for 2026, bringing together industry experts, rural practitioners, and sector leaders to explore the major issues shaping rural communities across England. Our seminars are a core RSN member benefit, highly...
Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook has provided an update on the government’s reforms to the local plan-making system in England, confirming key legislative, funding and timetable measures intended to accelerate the delivery of up-to-date local plans across all areas....
A new report from the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), produced in partnership with Local Partnerships, examines how England’s evolving governance system could operate by 2050. Drawing on a survey of 67 respondents from all existing combined authority...
Are you interested in tackling the climate crisis and wondering how you can take meaningful action with your local community? Last week saw the launch of The Rural Climathon Toolkit by the Countryside and Community Research Institute...
The Government has launched a major consultation on Exploring the Role of Alternative Clean Heating Solutions . The consultation is seeking evidence on low-carbon options for buildings that may not be suitable for heat pumps or heat networks. This...
The Institute of Economic Development (iED) has revealed the winners of its Annual Awards 2025 at a celebratory ceremony in Manchester. More than 150 delegates gathered in the Grand Ballroom at The Lowry Hotel last night following the...
TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER 2025 Westminster Hall Debate: Adequacy of funding to support homeless people, Bob Blackman MP Financial Statement: Conclusion of the budget debate THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER 2025 Oral Questions: Cabinet Office (including Topical...
The Rural Services Network put together an initial assessment of the Government’s 2025 Budget, reviewing the likely implications for rural communities across energy, transport, housing, public services, skills and local government funding. While several national measures will provide some...
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of The Rural Services Network has written to the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern MP, to raise serious concerns about the removal of the remoteness adjustment from the new Local Government...
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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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