Hot Topics

22 Jan 2024

Growth opportunities for rural businesses, but long-standing challenges remain

Businesses in rural areas perceive new opportunities for growth but long-standing challenges such as affordable housing, transport and broadband capacity are hampering take-up, according to…

22 Jan 2024

Addressing Rural Housing: NHF Report Spotlights Critical Needs

The National Housing Federation (NHF) has recently launched an ambitious report, “Let’s Fix the Housing Crisis,” aimed at addressing England’s growing housing challenges. This report…

22 Jan 2024

Rural Britain’s Hidden Struggles: Insights from North Cotswolds

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…

22 Jan 2024

‘Taxi Tax’ Threatens Rural Healthcare Access

In a move that could disproportionately affect rural communities across the UK, the proposed 20% VAT hike on private hire and minicab journeys – colloquially…

22 Jan 2024

Digital Disparity: A Closer Look at Rural Connectivity in England

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.…

22 Jan 2024

Rural Funding Highlighted in Recent Cornwall Funding Debate

A recent parliamentary debate has shed light on the stark funding disparities between urban and rural areas, with a particular focus on Cornwall. The debate,…

16 Jan 2024

Help us campaign for Rural Fair Funding

The Rural Services Network is the national voice for rural areas, campaigning on our members behalf for a fairer deal for rural communities. The consultation…

16 Jan 2024

Provisional Settlement Response submitted

The Rural Services Network has yesterday submitted its response to the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement consultation. This followed a meeting of local authority Leaders,…