RURAL services will top the agenda at a major conference to be held in Cheltenham this autumn.

Organised by the Rural Services Network, the Rural Conference 2015 is being held on 8-9 September.

The venue is the University of Gloucestershire's Park Campus.

Called Aspiration to Action... the Rural Manifesto, the two-day event is expected to attract stakeholders from across the country.

Issues under scrutiny will include ways of closing the gap in government expenditure on public services between rural and urban England.

The keynote speaker is set to be a Defra minister from the new administration following the general election on 7 May.

A roundtable panel discussion will examine new ways of delivering rural services. It will be followed by a plenary session looking at older people and viable villages.

Workshop sessions will look at issues around the three topics of rural housing, rural crime and inspirational solutions for rural dementia.

A special session during the afternoon of the second day will see experts and delegates examine the issue of rural broadband provision.

The conference follows publication of the Rural Services Network manifesto, which looks at how the incoming government can help ensure thriving rural communities.

The network and its 260 member organisations believe it is vital that an incoming government meets rural needs.

Almost one fifth of England's population lives in its rural areas and rural businesses make a huge contribution to the nation's economy.

"Meeting rural needs must not be seen as solely an issue for Defra: rather, it is one for all Whitehall departments and agencies," said network director David Inman.

The Rural Services Network manifesto focuses on eleven policy topics which can help deliver sustainable rural communities.

A 20% saving in the conference delegate rate is available for Rural Services Network members.

This means RSN members can expect to pay £199 for both days compared to the full price of £249 for non members.

For full details and to book your place, please click here.