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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
As the end of September approaches, rural communities across the UK are bracing for the potential fallout from the expiration of the Household Support Fund (HSF) . The Local Government Association (LGA) has raised significant concerns about...
Last week, The UK Government announced significant investment aimed at improving digital infrastructure in rural areas, with plans to provide faster broadband to approximately 312,000 homes and businesses across Great Britain. This initiative, backed by up to £800...
A recent report by The Good Things Foundation , supported by Virgin Money , sheds light on the significant issue of digital exclusion, particularly in rural communities. The research highlights the challenges many individuals face due to the...
National homelessness charity Crisis has partnered with Rural Services Partnership Member, Community Heartbeat Trust (CHT), one of the UK’s leading resuscitation charities, to provide Crisis’ Skylight centres with defibrillators. The new defibrillators will...
This week, Mobile UK the trade association that represents the four mobile network operators has launched its latest industry report ‘ How Connected Are You? . The report explores public perceptions of mobile connectivity and attitudes towards mobile...
The proposed changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA) , recently announced by the Chancellor , have sparked widespread concern, particularly among organisations dedicated to supporting older adults. The changes would see the allowance means-tested, limiting it to...
In a collective appeal, leading organisations—The District Councils’ Network (DCN) , Local Government Association (LGA) , Crisis along with the County Councils Network , and the East of England Local Government Association —have ...
A recent report published by NFU Mutual provides an in-depth analysis of the latest trends, figures, and strategies to combat rural crime. The full report, which can be accessed HERE highlights the growing sophistication...
Educational attainment amongst children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has not improved since the introduction of landmark reforms in 2014, despite councils projected to be spending £12bn on these services by 2026, up from £4bn a decade ago....
England’s largest councils are urging the government to delay the introduction of the cap on adult social care costs, warning that the reforms are impossible to implement by October 2025 due to a staggering £30 billion funding shortfall. The...
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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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