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The Final Local Government Finance Settlement is now confirmed. Our updated analysis examines the implications for rural areas. Read more.
News
The government has confirmed more than £110 million in funding for the North Hykeham Relief Road, a new dual carriageway scheme intended to improve transport links around Lincoln and parts of Lincolnshire. The funding announcement, made on 18 February 2026...
Northern Powergrid has announced a significant funding boost from Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) for two pioneering innovation projects, each helping to advance the development of a smarter, more resilient energy system. The initiatives, ‘Project VOLT’ and ‘Power Wheels’ demonstrate...
Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) is recruiting a Rural Affordable Housing Enabler to join its Rural Affordable Housing Team. This full-time post (with part-time considered, minimum 4 days/28.8 hours) is offered on a 2-year fixed-term contract, with potential for extension....
The Government has published the Final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2026–27 to 2028–29. The settlement sets out how much funding local authorities will receive over the next three years and underpins major reforms to the local government funding system....
The parliamentary debate for the Final Local Government Finance Settlement took place on 12th February. Realistically it was less of a ‘debate’ and more of a rebuttal by Government to any MP that raised queries or questions about the new...
A new report from the National Audit Office examines government programmes designed to unlock land for housing and highlights the steps needed to ensure value for money as a new National Housing Delivery Fund (NHDF) is launched. Since 2016, the...
RSN Member Exclusive Seminar: Rural Connectivity Wednesday 25 February 2026 | 11:00–13:00 | Online Our next member-exclusive seminar will focus on Rural Connectivity, bringing together national policymakers, industry experts and local practitioners to explore how digital infrastructure, services and innovation...
Access to essential services in the UK is increasingly decided in the moment by something simple and unstable: having enough data to complete the task in front of you. Booking a GP appointment. Managing a welfare claim. Responding to a...
RSN members may wish to be aware of a new series of free-to-attend webinars being organised externally by the NHS - South West Region, the National Centre for Rural Health and Care, and PPL. The webinars are not organised by...
The Government has yesterday (9th February) published the Final Settlement for Local Government Finance ahead of the debate tomorrow in Parliament. You can find out more about the final settlement at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/final-local-government-finance-settlement-england-2026-2027-to-2028-2029 While we wait for the full...
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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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