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A new rural strategy aims to deliver better services to local communities in Essex. The document sets out 38 priorities for rural residents – highlighting what is important for those who live and work in rural Essex, and...
RURAL residents are being misled by connection speeds only available to 10% of customers, say local councils. Speeds advertised by broadband providers fail to reflect the experience of many users – particularly those in remote rural areas, said...
Rural grant applicants face uncertainty following the UK referendum vote to leave the European Union. Rural development grants and Countryside Stewardship applications appear to be on hold following the referendum on 23 June. Michael Asbury, chairman of...
THE cost of rural crime rose to £42.5 million last year, reveal the latest findings from rural insurer NFU Mutual. The 2015 figure represents a "disappointing" 0.4% increase on 2014 which itself was drop in the annual cost...
DEFRA says rural communities will benefit after the boundaries are extended of two national parks. The boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District national parks were officially extended by 24% and 3% respectively on Monday (1 August)....
A Rural Growth Network fund has re-opened to support the rural economy in north-east England. More than ten businesses are already receiving help from the scheme, helping them to expand in rural Northumberland. The funding programme offers...
RURAL communities will benefit from plans to boost economic growth in northern England, says a government minister. Northern Powerhouse minister Andrew Percy said: "Building the Northern Powerhouse is a long-term government priority and central to our plans to...
Splitting network provider Openreach from parent company BT could improve UK broadband coverage, says telecoms watchdog Ofcom. Ofcom said making Openreach a legally distinct company with its own board would help make digital communications work for everyone. ...
North Yorkshire County Council has agreed £20.5m to bring faster connections to rural areas. The local authority said the third phase of its superfast broadband programme reinforced its commitment to making the area a better place. It...
GRANTS of up to £20,000 are being made available for small-scale projects in rural Hampshire. Two schemes to specifically help rural areas are being run by Hampshire County Council: the Rural Retailers and Community Enterprises Grant, and the...
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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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