T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
A “new deal for 5G” is needed to tackle the causes of the 5G infrastructure investment gap, and catapult the UK to the global frontier for 5G connectivity, according to a report published on 11 December 24 by the Social...
NALC is delighted to unveil the prestigious Star Council Awards 2024 finalists, showcasing the best of England’s parish and town councils. This annual celebration of innovation and commitment highlights the transformative contributions of councils, councillors, clerks, county associations...
The Government has announced last week a ‘sweeping overhaul of local planning committees, as part of new measures to tackle the housing crisis. Under new plans to modernise the planning approval process, applications that comply with local development plans...
Recognising and nurturing the contribution and potential of rural economies is a ‘vital ingredient’ to a successful Industrial Strategy, according to the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE). NICRE submitted a response to the Government’s Green...
The Prime Minister Kier Starmer last week unveiled his Plan for Change, setting out ‘ambitious but achievable milestones they aim to meet by the end of this Parliament.’ The missions of the Government, are built on the foundations of...
In an ambitious move to enhance digital connectivity in some of England's most isolated regions, the UK Space Agency , in collaboration with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has launched a series of projects...
The Rural Services Network held its Annual General Meeting at the start of December. This meeting gives member organisations the opportunity to come together to hear about the work of the organisation and our achievements throughout the year. ...
Ofcom has last week published the Connected Nations report for 2024. This report measures progress on the availability of broadband and mobile services across England and the UK. This includes providing updates on the rollout of the full fibre, fixed...
The importance of rural councils coming together was highlighted last week with an urgent meeting called by the Rural Services Network of local authority members. Following the Local Government Finance Policy Statement published on 28th November which set out...
Communities across the UK come alive this winter as professional theatre, dance, music, comedy, and storytelling envelop village halls and community spaces. The National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF) believes village halls are the lifeblood of rural areas, playing a...
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
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.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.