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The plight of poor digital connectivity in rural UK remains a significant barrier for over half a million businesses, as detailed in a recent article published by Countryside Alliance . These businesses, integral to the rural economy ,...
On the last day before the festive recess, the House of Lords held a significant debate , initiated by the Lord Bishop of St Albans, focusing on the crucial role and the broad challenges of the rural economy. This...
The recent introduction of the Bus Services Bill marks a significant legislative milestone aimed at revitalising public transportation across the country. The bill, which grants enhanced powers to local authorities, focuses on improving transport services particularly in rural...
Recently, Minister for Homelessness and Democracy, Rushanara Ali , addressed the House of Lords with a significant announcement outlining a substantial fiscal commitment aimed at tackling England’s escalating homelessness and rough sleeping issues for the fiscal year...
The government has recently unveiled the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC), a strategic initiative designed to bolster economic growth and enhance living standards nationwide. This announcement came from the Department for Business and Trade ...
The Department of Health and Social Care , detailed a series of new measures aimed at reforming adult social care. These measures include immediate financial investments, and the establishment of an independent commission tasked with guiding long-term...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has conducted an initial analysis of the recent Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and is deeply concerned about the implications for England's rural communities. While the government promised no reductions in Core Spending Power,...
The Rural Services Network is meticulously examining today’s statement concerning the Provisional Local Government Settlement. We are committed to fully assessing the implications for our rural member councils, especially with the concerning decision to 'repurpose' the Rural Services...
The Government has published the Devolution White Paper which sets out their vision and plans for devolving power across the nation. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has vowed to make devolution ‘the default position of government’ and...
The Government has published its full response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation. The Government received over 10,000 responses to the consultation, and the document published last week includes some refinements to the proposals set out in...
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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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