Access to Services
30 Jan 2023
Learners in rural areas have to travel 70 miles for driving test, research shows
The Express reports that campaigners have condemned the “chaos” in the testing system which has left would-be drivers facing an average backlog of 15 weeks The scramble for appointments means...
Read more
16 Jan 2023
South West rural bus services underfunded
Teignmouth Today reports that local campaigners battling to save south Devon’s rural bus services have said the fight goes on Dawlish and Teignbridge councillor Alison Foden has been fighting to...
Read more
09 Jan 2023
2023-2024 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement Proposals and what it means for rural communities
Under the Provisional Settlement proposals, the gap in funding between rural and urban areas will, in fact increase. There is therefore a continuation of historic underfunding and unfairness for rural...
Read more
09 Jan 2023
Broadcast 2040+ campaign update
Since the summer launch of Broadcast 2040+, the campaign has gone from strength to strength. The campaign has expanded the coalition of partners (of which the Rural Services Network is...
Read more
09 Jan 2023
Rural villages lose out as bus services are cut back
The Henley Standard reports that services calling at two rural villages near Henley are to be reduced in a hit to local transport services The 800 Arriva bus will now...
Read more
03 Jan 2023
Levelling down – Public services in rural areas are not fit for purpose
The RSN Chief Executive, Graham Biggs MBE, has written an article which was featured in the Fabian Policy Report. A copy of this article is provided below. No-one should Be disadvantaged...
Read more
03 Jan 2023
England’s £2 bus fare cap may not save rural routes, campaigners fear
The Guardian reports that campaigners have voiced concern that more bus services will be cut once the recently announced £2 cap on bus fares expires The winter fares deal will...
Read more
19 Dec 2022
Bus fares will be capped at £2 to ease cost of living
The BBC reports that more than 130 bus operators outside London will begin capping single adult fares at £2 next month as part of a government-funded scheme to help people...
Read more
12 Dec 2022
Some Cornwall residents could lose all their Freeview TV channels
Hundreds of people in mainly rural communities of Cornwall could lose their TV channels. Citizens Advice Cornwall is backing a campaign to protect TV and radio services in the area...
Read more
29 Nov 2022
The RSN warns of the ‘perfect storm’ faced by rural communities and businesses
The RSN has provided a briefing to Rural MP’s of the different impact to rural communities and businesses compared to other areas of England from the Nov 2022 Autumn Statement...
Read more