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THE government has unveiled its long-awaited Rural Statement, outlining its policies for the countryside. The document sets out the government's support for rural areas through a broad range of policies across government departments. It also highlights what...
JUNIOR Defra minister David Heath has pledged to work for a fairer deal for Britain's rural communities. The Liberal Democrat MP for the Somerset constituency of Somerton and Frome is set to start first full week as a...
A MAJOR housing and planning package does not go far enough, say rural business leaders. The government package aims to deliver up to 70,000 new homes – including affordable housing and opportunities for first-time buyers to get onto...
THE new ministerial team at Defra has been urged to revitalise Britain's ailing rural economy. Newly appointed Defra secretary Owen Paterson should push through Defra's agenda for revitalising the rural economy, said the Country Land and Business Association....
A £300,000 funding pot has been launched to help rural businesses branch out in Leicestershire. Funded by Leicestershire County Council , the grants are aimed at small companies who work in the land-based, food and drink, tourism and...
APPLICATIONS for funding from the Village SOS scheme are due to close at 2.30pm on 12 September. Operated by the Big Lottery Fund, Village SOS is looking to award grants of £10,000-£50,000 for enterprising community enterprises. Funding...
THE government has unveiled funding to help communities bring jobs and homes to their neighbourhood using improved planning powers. Neighbourhood planning gives people a major say in shaping development in their area. It gives communities the power...
RURAL businesses and communities are expected to be among the main beneficiaries of faster next-generation mobile broadband. Everything Everywhere – the company behind Orange and T-Mobile – has been given the go-ahead to offer so-called 4G services from...
STRONGER links between government departments are needed to ensure policies don't discriminate against rural communities, MPs have been told. The Rural Services Network made the recommendation in evidence submitted to the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee. ...
ACADEMICS will gather this month for a major conference to debate the future of rural policy. The 2012 Rural Policy Conference will be held on Thursday, 27 September, at Kingsholm Rugby Stadium, Gloucester. This year's event centres...
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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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