Latest News
01 Dec 2025
Government Sets Out Next Steps For New Local Plan System
Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook has provided an update on the government’s reforms to the local plan-making system in England, confirming key legislative, funding and timetable measures intended to...
Read more01 Dec 2025
New Research Explores The Future Shape Of Local Government In England
A new report from the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), produced in partnership with Local Partnerships, examines how England’s evolving governance system could operate by 2050. Drawing on a survey...
Read more01 Dec 2025
New Toolkit Empowers Rural Communities To Take Climate Action
Are you interested in tackling the climate crisis and wondering how you can take meaningful action with your local community? Last week saw the launch of The Rural Climathon Toolkit...
Read more01 Dec 2025
Government Consultation: Alternative Clean Heating Solutions
The Government has launched a major consultation on Exploring the Role of Alternative Clean Heating Solutions. The consultation is seeking evidence on low-carbon options for buildings that may not be...
Read more01 Dec 2025
Institute Of Economic Development Unveils 2025 Award Winners
The Institute of Economic Development (iED) has revealed the winners of its Annual Awards 2025 at a celebratory ceremony in Manchester. More than 150 delegates gathered in the Grand Ballroom...
Read more26 Nov 2025
RSN Publishes Rural Impact Assessment Of Budget 2025
The Rural Services Network put together an initial assessment of the Government’s 2025 Budget, reviewing the likely implications for rural communities across energy, transport, housing, public services, skills and local...
Read more25 Nov 2025
RSN Sends Open Letter Calling for Fairer Funding for Rural Communities
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of The Rural Services Network has written to the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern MP, to raise serious concerns about the...
Read more24 Nov 2025
Budget Countdown: Will Rural England Be Seen and Heard?
With the Autumn Budget announcement set for tomorrow, speculation has dominated political coverage in recent weeks. From tax changes to energy support, much of the debate remains uncertain, but for...
Read more24 Nov 2025
Rural Taskforce Work Progresses as DEFRA Sets Out Growth Plan
Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds used her speech at the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) Rural Business Conference last week to set out the Government’s ambition for a...
Read more24 Nov 2025
RTPI Calls for Rural Focus in English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published an amendment briefing calling for the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to explicitly recognise and address the needs of rural communities....
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