Latest News
19 Jan 2026
Help Shape the Future of Community Energy Schemes
Ofgem is inviting members of the public to take part in new user research exploring how renewable energy initiatives can better serve local communities, in both urban and rural areas....
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13 Jan 2026
RSN Voices Serious Concerns Over ‘Fairness’ Of Settlement
The Rural Services Network has serious concerns over the new ‘fair and transparent’ Local Government Funding formula. Our analysis shows that in 2026-2027, the most urban councils will receive 41%...
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12 Jan 2026
NRCN Publishes Annual Report 2025
The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) has published its Annual Report 2025, setting out a year of progress in raising the profile of rural crime and strengthening the case for...
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12 Jan 2026
ONS Review Of Local Data Raises Questions For Place-Based Policymaking
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated it is reviewing the scope, sequencing and frequency of some sub-national statistical outputs as part of a wider programme to prioritise its...
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12 Jan 2026
RSN Member Exclusive Seminar: Rural Net Zero
Wednesday 28 January | 11:00–13:00 | Online We’re pleased to kick off our 2026 programme of RSN member-exclusive seminars with our first session of the year, taking place on Wednesday...
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12 Jan 2026
Lords Report Warns UK Is Unprepared For An Ageing Society
A new report from the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has warned that the UK is significantly underprepared for the economic and social impacts of an ageing population. The...
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12 Jan 2026
Over 100 Rural Mobile Masts Upgraded To Improve 4G Coverage
The government has announced a major milestone in improving mobile connectivity across rural Britain, with more than 100 mobile masts now upgraded to provide 4G coverage from all major mobile...
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06 Jan 2026
Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026/27
The Government has published the provisional local government finance settlement for 2026/27, outlining planned funding allocations for local authorities in England and launching a statutory consultation on its proposals. While...
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05 Jan 2026
Looking To 2026: Our Focus For Rural Communities
As we look to 2026, the context for rural services and local governance continues to evolve. Local government structures may shift. Strategic authorities may develop. Boundaries may change. But regardless...
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05 Jan 2026
RSN Chair Roger Phillips Awarded OBE In New Year Honours
We are proud to share that Cllr Roger Phillips, Chair of the Rural Services Network, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List 2026 for services to...
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