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The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Services has launched a new inquiry examining the resilience of rural communities, with a particular focus on energy costs, off-gas grid homes and the transition to net zero. The inquiry comes amid continued...
Communities across England are set to see changes to local public services under a new government-backed “Neighbourhood Guarantee”, recently announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The proposals aim to establish clearer expectations around local services, including...
The Government has announced a new package of measures aimed at helping households and businesses manage ongoing cost-of-living pressures, including free bus travel for children across England during August. The measures were outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in a statement...
Wednesday 17 June 2026 13:30 – 14:30 Online | Zoom The Rural Services Network is delighted to invite members to an exclusive online session exploring how organisations can better understand, evidence and communicate the wider impact of their work through...
MPs from across the political spectrum have urged the Government to review how banking hubs are assessed and delivered, warning that rural communities are being left behind as bank branch closures continue across the UK. The concerns were raised during...
The King’s Speech sets out the Government’s legislative programme for the year ahead, outlining the Bills and policy priorities Ministers intend to bring before Parliament. This year’s Speech included a wide-ranging package of reforms focused on growth, public service reform,...
A newly published House of Commons Library briefing has highlighted how households across the UK are continuing to feel the lasting effects of the cost-of-living crisis, despite inflation easing from the highs seen in 2022. While inflation peaked at 11.1%...
A new AI-powered tool designed to help people access government information and support more quickly has been launched through the GOV.UK app. GOV.UK Chat allows users to ask questions in plain language and receive instant answers drawn from official GOV.UK...
Housing professionals across England are being encouraged to take part in a new survey exploring the impact of local government reorganisation (LGR) on housing services, governance and local delivery. With the Government moving ahead with plans to replace remaining two-tier...
A series of new reforms aimed at cracking down on waste crime, including stricter checks on waste carriers and tougher penalties for illegal dumping, has been announced by the Government, alongside Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and...
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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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