Access to Services
08 Apr 2024
The Closure of Northumberland Banks: A Reflection on Rural Banking Challenges
The impending closure of the last two bank branches in Alnwick, Northumberland — Lloyds and Halifax — scheduled for January 2025, has not only highlighted the challenges faced by this...
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02 Apr 2024
Bridging the Gap: Oxfordshire’s Leap Towards Enhanced Rural Connectivity
In an era where urban-centric development often overshadows the needs of rural communities, Oxfordshire County Council is steering a course towards inclusivity and accessibility. With the introduction of five new...
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11 Mar 2024
The Essential Lifeline of Libraries in Rural Communities
Last week, coinciding with World Book Day – a global celebration of literature and reading – Rural Services Network Chief Executive, Kerry Booth took part in a Libraries Connected webinar,...
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11 Mar 2024
Empowering Local Culture: LGA Insights & 2024 Budget Impact
The recent announcement outlined in the Spring Budget and the Local Government Association’s (LGA) new series of think pieces, offer a promising horizon not just for urban centres but also...
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11 Mar 2024
Community Solutions for Rural Transport
In rural areas across England, the accessibility and availability of transport services are more than just conveniences—they are lifelines. The Community Transport Association (CTA) has unveiled a robust manifesto, “A...
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04 Mar 2024
Levelling Up?
The Government has recently published a policy paper, which lays out the 12 Levelling Up Missions and the metrics that the Government will use to measure progress against these missions. ...
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04 Mar 2024
Local Government Partners Launch National Alliance for Cultural Services
A fresh approach is needed to sustain culture services in the future, a new partnership of organisations representing local government said last week, as they launched a new National Alliance...
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04 Mar 2024
The Crucial Role of the Spring Budget in Championing Rural Areas
As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Spring Budget tomorrow, anticipation builds among members of rural communities and supporters of The Rural Services Network. This year’s budget holds particular significance as...
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26 Feb 2024
The Decline of Bus Services in Rural England: A Deepening Divide
In the face of a widening gap between rural and urban public transport services, England’s rural communities are grappling with a bus provision crisis that underscores a growing divide in...
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26 Feb 2024
Council Tax Rises: The Rural Perspective
The County Councils Network (CCN) has warned that local authorities across England, especially those in rural areas, are facing an unprecedented financial crisis. The majority are set to significantly increase...
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