Access to Services
14 Feb 2018
4G antenna tackles broadband not-spots
A 4G antenna launched by telecoms giant EE can connect isolated rural homes to superfast broadband. The 4G antenna is being introduced following trials in Cumbria where it providing rural homes with...
Read more
13 Feb 2018
Initiative to safeguard vulnerable people
An important initiative to help safeguard vulnerable people is taking place in north-west England. Electricity North West – the company distributing electricity across Cumbria and Lancashire; and United Utilities, the water...
Read more
12 Feb 2018
Study probes broadband availability
A 10-minute survey aims to uncover how broadband availability impacts on rural businesses in England. The survey is being undetaken by Jenny Bennett – a final year student at Harper...
Read more
07 Feb 2018
Rural broadband ‘still in slow lane’
Campaigners say many rural areas still lack adequate broadband – although connections are getting faster. The government says it has delivered on a manifesto commitment to extend superfast broadband to...
Read more
06 Feb 2018
Minister unveils £81m for rural services
The government has unveiled £81m for rural services as part of its finance settlement for local authorities. The funding was announced by communities secretary Sajid Javid as he confirmed the...
Read more
05 Feb 2018
Finance settlement due this week
The government is set to confirm its financial settlement for local authorities amid growing concern that councils are struggling to deliver vital services. The final local government finance settlement for...
Read more
02 Feb 2018
Council imposes instant spending ban
An immediate ban on spending has been announced by Northamptonshire County Council which says it faces a severe financial challenge. The Section 114 notice – which imposes immediate spending controls...
Read more
30 Jan 2018
Rural shops invest £315m in services
Rural shops across the UK have invested over £315m over the last year in services for customers, says a report. Villages shops and other retail outlets have introduced services like...
Read more
25 Jan 2018
Rural elderly ‘face social care crisis’
Elderly rural residents face a crisis situation because of austerity and poor access to social care, says a report. Called Issues Facing Providers of Social Care at Home to Older Residents...
Read more
24 Jan 2018
Rural elderly ‘push services to limit’
An unprecedented boom in the elderly population is pushing local services to breaking point, say councils. The number of elderly people in county areas has risen by half a million...
Read more