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The Final Local Government Finance Settlement is now confirmed. Our updated analysis examines the implications for rural areas. Read more.
Press Releases
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has warned that rural households and businesses are particularly exposed to rising oil prices as global energy markets react to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Reports this week indicate that heating oil prices have...
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...
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 government funding. While several national measures will provide some support,...
Remoteness Must Be Recognised Across All Services The Rural Services Network (RSN) has expressed disappointment that the Government’s updated Fair Funding 2.0 proposals fail to fully reflect the additional costs of delivering services in rural and remote areas. While welcoming...
Following reports in The Times that proposed changes to council funding allocations have been watered down after lobbying from London boroughs, the Rural Services Network (RSN) is urging government to ensure that rural areas are not left behind once again....
Today at the National Rural Conference, the Rural Services Network (RSN) has launched the Delivering for All Research Project – a landmark research project designed to capture the experiences, challenges, and priorities of people living in rural England. With members,...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is leading a proactive response to the Government’s Fair Funding Review consultation, calling for urgent action to end the funding inequalities that continue to disadvantage rural communities — and to unlock their full potential as...
The Rural Services Network has today published Delivering for All: A Roadmap for Rural Prosperity—a comprehensive new policy document setting out the case for fairer funding, smarter metrics, and targeted rural policy to ensure that every community can thrive. Built...
The Rural Services Network welcomes the publication of today’s Spending Review as an important marker of this new government’s priorities — and we particularly note the Chancellor’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of growth and investment are felt across...
The Rt Rev’d Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, has been appointed President of the Rural Coalition, an alliance of twelve national organisations who work together to promote a shared vision of a living, working countryside in England. The new...
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HOT TOPICS
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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