T: 01822 851370 E: admin@sparse.gov.uk
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
In the last week, Sir John Hayes posed a written question to the Government asking: “To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he is taking to reduce homelessness in rural areas.” ...
The Apprenticeship Levy was recently debated in Westminster Hall in which it was highlighted the great opportunity that apprenticeships offer to learn and earn and to keep talent in our local communities. To read the full debate click here...
Rural MPs had a clear message for the government during their Westminster Hall debate last week on the funding of rural councils; act now or councils will go bust and lives will be lost. The Rural Services Network provided...
On Tuesday night, the CPRE (The Campaign for the Protection of rural England) launched their latest report into rural affordable housing at a Parliamentary reception. Attended by key stakeholders and those with an interest in rural housing, there were a...
The new Post Office service which allows customers to choose which parcel carrier to use has started to roll out across the network. Customers are given the option to send their parcel through the Post Office or through other...
The government has ruled out extra support for people living in off the energy grid homes this winter – for now. South Holland and The Deepings MP, Sir John Hayes (Con), write to the Department for Energy Security and...
The number of free to use cash machines available in the UK has fallen by almost 30% in the last five years, according to new figures from the Association of Convenience Stores. ACS’ Access to Cash Tracker reveals the...
The government has announced that thousands of people across rural parts of Oxfordshire and North East Staffordshire are set to benefit from new lightning-fast broadband. Around 10,000 homes and businesses in rural Oxfordshire communities including Stoke Row, Somerton and...
Last week, the government’s Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 was heavily criticised in the House of Lords. Baroness Hayman of Ullock submitted a motion calling on the government to address the failing of the Act and criticised the...
It’s been nearly a week since the Chancellor delivered his Autumn Statement and RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth and her team have been digesting what it means for rural communities and the organisations that serve them. There were...
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
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.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.