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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
Rural insurer NFU Mutual has warned that Britain’s countryside is in the grip of a crimewave, as latest figures reveal a sharp rise in the cost of rural thefts. Initial estimates from the insurer show theft cost the UK’s...
Rural areas are vital to national economies – both locally and around the world – and should be supported, says the OECD. The OECD released the the policy statement at the 11th OECD Rural Development Conference , which brought delegates...
Mobile network operators are failing to submit planning applications that could help improve coverage in some of the worst served rural areas, say campaigners. Figures obtained by the Country Land and Business Association, said operators were failing to submit...
A new grant scheme is offering funding for land managers to restore their historic farm buildings. Launched by Defra, Natural England and Historic England, the Historic Building Restoration Grant is being piloted this year in five National Parks. ...
A new scheme is to exempt new broadband fibre connections from business rates – benefiting rural communities, says the government. The Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2018 paves the way for full-fibre broadband and future 5G communications, says the government. ...
The Prince’s Countryside Fund is encouraging people to have their say on the challenges faced by rural residents. Fund representatives are working with Sarah Skerratt from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) on their latest research, Recharging Rural. Professor Skerratt...
The Rural Services Network has featured in a BBC radio programme looking at difficulties faced by rural people accessing healthcare. Broadcast on Friday (30 March), the whole episode of BBC Radio 4's Farming Today programme on Friday...
Public funding cuts are contributing to a dramatic shrinking of Britain's bus network, suggests a study. Britain's bus routes have lost 134 million miles of coverage over the past decade alone, according to the BBC Local News...
An important initiative to help safeguard vulnerable people is taking place in north-west England. Electricity North West – the company distributing electricity across Cumbria and Lancashire; and United Utilities, the water company for the region, are working together...
PRESS RELEASE For immediate release Tuesday, 30 January 17 ‘Rural Vulnerability Matters’ was the theme of the Rural Vulnerability Day hosted last week in Westminster by Rebecca Pow MP (Taunton Deane) and Phillip Dunne MP (Ludlow). In...
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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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