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The Rural Services Network (RSN) has conducted an initial analysis of the recent Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and is deeply concerned about the implications for England's rural communities. While the government promised no reductions in Core Spending Power,...
The Government has published the Devolution White Paper which sets out their vision and plans for devolving power across the nation. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has vowed to make devolution ‘the default position of government’ and...
The Government has published its full response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation. The Government received over 10,000 responses to the consultation, and the document published last week includes some refinements to the proposals set out in...
A “new deal for 5G” is needed to tackle the causes of the 5G infrastructure investment gap, and catapult the UK to the global frontier for 5G connectivity, according to a report published on 11 December 24 by the Social...
The Prime Minister Kier Starmer last week unveiled his Plan for Change, setting out ‘ambitious but achievable milestones they aim to meet by the end of this Parliament.’ The missions of the Government, are built on the foundations of...
In an ambitious move to enhance digital connectivity in some of England's most isolated regions, the UK Space Agency , in collaboration with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has launched a series of projects...
Ofcom has last week published the Connected Nations report for 2024. This report measures progress on the availability of broadband and mobile services across England and the UK. This includes providing updates on the rollout of the full fibre, fixed...
The importance of rural councils coming together was highlighted last week with an urgent meeting called by the Rural Services Network of local authority members. Following the Local Government Finance Policy Statement published on 28th November which set out...
The Local Government Association (LGA) has unveiled a compelling report highlighting the substantial benefits of investing in preventative support within social care. The findings indicate that for every £1 allocated to early intervention services, there is a potential...
The National Audit Office (NAO) has released an investigation into the NHS Dental Recovery Plan, pinpointing major challenges and progress in enhancing dental services in England, particularly underlining the acute struggles faced by rural areas. The investigation report emphasises...
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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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