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The Rural Services Network (RSN) is thrilled to announce the National Rural Conference 2024, taking place from 16th to 19th September. This virtual event, accessible via Zoom, is the premier gathering for senior officers, members, policymakers, and rural service professionals.
Further information and booking details can be found here
RISING fuel prices mean more people are going hungry to heat their homes, a rural councillor has warned. The number of Lincolnshire households in fuel poverty will double over the next few years, said Colin Davie, of Lincolnshire...
MINISTERS are continuing to seek meetings with 17 rural networks set up as a 'hotline to the heart of government'. The rural and farming networks were established earlier this year to help ensure government policies take on board...
RURAL communities across England are stepping up the drive for better broadband connections. Thousands of rural residents have signed petitions in the hope that doing so will help unlock funding to bring super-fast broadband to the countryside. ...
LOWER investment in rural business over the next 12 months could lead to restricted growth, say analysts. The Rural Economy Index examined more than 100 businesses in the countryside during the first quarter of 2012 to provide a...
RURAL residents are being urged to take action ahead of an expected increase in theft and burglaries. Police are warning that domestic burglaries are likely to rise the days start getting lighter, and people leave open windows and...
MPs have called for a fairer deal from the government for rural communities. The issue of rural communities was debated in a Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday (17 March). Simon Hart, MP Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire,...
FUEL prices have overtaken slow broadband as the biggest rural issue, a computer guru has warned. Petrol prices are the critical issue facing rural businesses, said internet boss Chris Stanbury, managing director of Cravenplan Computers . In...
GOVERNMENT support for rural communities is to be debated by MPs. The Westminister Hall debate is scheduled for 11am–12.30pm on Tuesday (17 April). It will be led by Simon Hart , Tory MP for Carmarthen West and...
LESS than a week remains to respond to a call for evidence of the challenges faced by remote communities. The Office of Fair Trading is investigating issues encountered by consumers and businesses in outlying areas. Consumers and...
A SECOND round of funding is now open under the Village SOS scheme. Operated by the Big Lottery Fund, Village SOS is looking to award grants of £10,000-£50,000 for enterprising community enterprises. Funding opened on 10 April...
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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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