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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
The "Hidden Hardship" report, conducted by Dr. Stephanie Denning at Coventry University and vividly illustrated by Beth Waters, provides an in-depth and emotive portrayal of the challenges faced by rural communities in the North Cotswolds. The report unveils...
In a move that could disproportionately affect rural communities across the UK, the proposed 20% VAT hike on private hire and minicab journeys – colloquially termed the 'Taxi Tax' – is raising alarms about the accessibility of essential services, particularly...
The latest Connected Nations UK Report 2023 sheds light on the digital connectivity in the UK, revealing a stark contrast between urban and rural regions. The report shows a considerable gap in indoor 4G coverage. In some rural parts...
A debate in the House of Commons on 9th January raised concerns over the lack of NHS dentists available. It cited a Nuffield Trust report into the State of NHS Dentistry which states that NHS funded dental...
Picking up on a story released just before the Christmas break, the Local Government Association highlighted concerns over the future switch off of 2G and 3G mobile networks. The Local Government Association reported that “All mobile operators have agreed...
The Health Service Journal recently reported on NHS England figures. HSJ findings suggest “people in some more rural areas are missing out on specialist treatments they should be getting, while Londoners are receiving a lot more than their fair share”....
The last week saw significant amounts of rainfall in a short period of time, leading to significant flooding in areas across the country. The BBC reported on the story which detailed over 250 flood warnings in place with many...
Two Universities are joining up to tackle the growing problem of a recruitment crisis in pharmacies in the South West. The BBC reports on how “the University of Bath is working with the University of Plymouth to deliver its...
BT have announced that they are temporarily pausing all non-voluntary, managed migrations to a digital landline where there is any risk that the customer’s telecare service will not continue to work. In a blog on their website BT say:...
The Chair of the APPG for Rural Services, Derek Thomas MP, sponsored a Westminster Hall Debate on 5th December focusing on loneliness and isolation in elderly and vulnerable people. A number of issues were raised which highlight the challenges...
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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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