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Parish and town councils from across England were honoured at the NALC 2026 Star Council Awards, held on 24 February at the prestigious House of Lords. The ceremony brought together councillors, clerks, MPs, parliamentarians, academics and national stakeholders to celebrate...
The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) has published its 2026 State of Local Government Finance in England research, finding that confidence in the sustainability of council finances remains critically low despite recent reforms. The survey of council leaders, chief executives,...
The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) is encouraging partners and stakeholders to respond to a new inquiry launched by the Home Affairs Committee into the impact of serious and organised crime (SOC) on neighbourhoods across the UK, including the distinct...
Rural connectivity shapes whether rural businesses can compete, whether residents can access healthcare and education, and whether communities can feel secure and connected in an increasingly digital world. At last week’s RSN Member Exclusive Seminar, members explored a simple but...
A new UK and Ireland-wide study is seeking views on what matters most for cancer care and research in rural and coastal communities. Led by researchers at the University of Lincoln, the Rural and Coastal Cancer Research Priority Setting Exercise...
The government has announced a £4 billion investment to reform support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside the publication of its forthcoming schools white paper, Every child achieving and thriving. The announcement, made...
Following legal advice, the Secretary of State has withdrawn his original decision to postpone 30 local elections due to take place in May 2026. He has written to council leaders and key stakeholders to confirm this decision. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will...
The Environment Agency (EA) has announced an enhanced package of surveillance, detection and investigative tools aimed at preventing and disrupting waste crime, as part of a wider enforcement crackdown published on 20 February 2026. Key measures include an expanded 33-strong...
Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, has warned that proposed changes to Section 106 requirements in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) could significantly reduce the delivery of affordable housing. The Government is consulting on proposals...
The Community Transport Association (CTA) has published analysis on new Department for Transport guidance for local authorities considering bus franchising in England. The guidance outlines how councils could move away from the deregulated bus model by designing routes and fares...
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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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