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Access to services
New research carried out by the Liberal Democrats shows the four-week waiting time to see a GP is three times higher in some rural areas than urban ones. The figures were published as the party adopts a pre-manifesto at...
A new report from Uswitch, reveals that broadband outages have doubled in the last year. Sky News report that: “Uswitch's report found 15% of people have been prevented from working due to disconnections, and 25% have been...
The Government and the Post Office have joined forces to provide an in-person support service for those who may struggle to access government services online. The face-to-face service will be offered at Post Offices where staff will be able...
The recipients of the latest government grants for transforming youth clubs in England have been announced. Local Councils and youth groups were encouraged to submit applications to provide out-of-school activities including building new youth centres or refurbishing existing buildings to...
It is vital that rural communities can access employment, training, education and services such as medical appointments. A lack of public transport options can make this more difficult. We’ve seen Government attempt to tackle transport policy in recent years with...
Research, completed by the Rural Services Network has shown that Urban Councils budget to spend double that of rural councils on discretionary services per head for the year 2023 – 2024. Rural authorities have long suffered from underfunding by...
Newspapers have reported last week of the reduction in bus routes over the last year as official figures are published by the Department for Transport. The BBC reports that ‘the latest official data seems to show a reduction of...
The Express Newspaper ran a story last week focusing on the Broadcast 2040 campaign, of which the Rural Services Network is a member. It followed reports of a fall in viewers for broadcast television. However, campaigners warned that...
The Association of Convenience Stores, one of our Rural Services Partnership members, last week launched their 2023 Community Barometer. This explores how people value the services in their local area, what they would like to see more of, and...
Following the news last week that rural bus services were at a ‘ historic low ’, a not-for-profit community interest company has been showcasing how it is keeping rural communities connected. ABILITY Community Transport was set up in...
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HOT TOPICS
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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