House of Lords Hears from RSN on Rural Challenges

Last week, Rural Services Network Chief Executive Kerry Booth gave oral evidence to the House of Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee as part of its ongoing inquiry into the barriers facing young people in rural areas.

In a session dedicated to rural communities, Kerry joined a panel of experts to highlight the pressing need for more affordable housing, improved broadband and mobile connectivity, and reliable transport options. These, she stressed, are essential to ensure rural young people can access employment, education, and skills training — and ultimately reach their full potential.

Kerry also underlined the importance of fairer funding for rural councils, calling for policies tailored to rural needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Other witnesses included representatives from the Country Land and Business Association, Connexus, Transport East, and Newcastle University’s National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise.

Discussions covered digital exclusion, transport limitations, and the structural barriers rural youth face in accessing opportunity.

The full session is available to watch on demand via Parliament TV: Watch here