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The Final Local Government Finance Settlement is now confirmed. Our updated analysis examines the implications for rural areas. Read more.
News
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has recently provided individual funding analysis to its SPARSE local authority members, examining the implications of the final Local Government Finance Settlement over the multi-year period to 2028/29. One such authority, Shropshire Council, has published...
Wednesday 29 April | 11:00–13:00 | Online We’re looking forward to welcoming a strong line-up of expert speakers to our upcoming RSN Member Exclusive Seminar on the Rural Economy taking place in just two weeks. Bringing together leading voices from...
The Labour Rural Research Group (LRRG) has launched a new call for evidence to inform its upcoming report on the future of the rural economy, taking a forward-looking view to 2040. Building on its previous work exploring rural Britain and...
Stakeholders, policymakers, law enforcement leaders, and rural community representatives came together at the 2026 annual conference hosted by the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN). This formal discussion around the growing challenges of rural crime across the UK provided a vital platform for collaboration and the...
Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs) play a key role in bringing forward small-scale affordable housing in rural communities. Acting as independent facilitators, they work with parish councils, landowners, housing associations and local authorities to identify local need, unlock sites, and support...
The Government has announced measures to accelerate planning and regulatory approvals for two major clean energy projects - Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels - by appointing the Environment Agency as Lead Environmental Regulator. Under this approach, the Environment Agency...
TUESDAY 14 APRIL 2026 Oral Questions: To Department of Health and Social Care Questions for this session are focused on NHS performance, access to services, and patient outcomes, with MPs scrutinising both day-to-day pressures and longer-term system reform. A central...
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...
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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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