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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 England CIC (alongside the Rural Services Network) launched the findings from its latest research paper on 'Issues Facing Providers of Social Care to Older Residents'. There is a growing awareness of concerns about vulnerability felt by some people...
Elderly rural residents face a crisis situation because of austerity and poor access to social care, says a report. Called Issues Facing Providers of Social Care at Home to Older Residents in Rural England, the study highlights the...
An unprecedented boom in the elderly population is pushing local services to breaking point, say councils. The number of elderly people in county areas has risen by half a million in just three years alone, according to...
RURAL residents are being urged to respond to a Department for Transport consultation on community railways. A community rail line is a railway supported by a local partnership giving local people a say in the development and...
A NEW campaign is helping to combat rural loneliness this winter. The campaign highlighting ways rural community co-operatives help people overcome loneliness and isolation. Funded by the English Rural housing association and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation...
Three villages could become “rural travel hubs” to improve rural transport in Cambridgeshire. The pilot hubs, to be funded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, will be travel interchanges tailored for individual areas. They could include new...
FOUR in five rural businesses are embracing the digital economy – but many say lack of training and skills is hampering their growth. E-commerce plays a big role in helping rural businesses to export, with 80% using...
A pioneering superfast broadband project is benefiting rural communities in North Yorkshire. North Yorkshire County Council is investing more than £12m from its funds, for the next phase of the Superfast North Yorkshire initiative. It is...
A £1.2m project aims to trail low-cost ways to reduce the risk of flash floods in rural communities. Led by geographers from Manchester university, the project's goal is to show that landscape restoration can reduce flood risks to communities near...
A major project to tackle rural fuel poverty is to be funded by one of England's largest county councils. The iniaitive is being funded by North Yorkshire County Council to support those most at risk this winter...
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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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