Access to Services
09 Jan 2014
Network to establish rural sounding board
The Rural Services Network is establishing a rural sounding board for councillors from member local authorities. The rural sounding board of over 100 councillors – one from each member authority...
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05 Jan 2014
Faster broadband tops rural wishlist
BETTER broadband is top of the rural agenda for 2014, with campaigners saying too many communities are still languishing on slow connections. The government says delivery of so-called superfast broadband...
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05 Jan 2014
MP warns over mobile phone coverage
RURAL communities must not be disadvantaged by poor mobile phone reception, an MP has warned. Mobile phone users should receive the same level of service whether they were in town...
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02 Jan 2014
Minister calls for ambulance shake-up
HEALTH minister Norman Lamb has called for a shake-up of ambulance response times in rural areas following the death of a 26-year-old man. The North Norfolk MP said rural areas...
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02 Jan 2014
Oil thieves target rural homes
RURAL home-owners with oil-fired heating systems are being urged to be aware of oil thieves this winter. Recent years oil thefts have increased due to exceptionally harsh winters and higher...
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23 Dec 2013
Government unveils finance settlement
The government urged councils to focus on ‘sensible savings’ as it unveiled its latest finance settlement. Communities secretary Eric Pickles made the plea as he published the government’s provisional local...
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23 Dec 2013
Lukewarm response to broadband day
RURAL businesses and communities have given a mixed response to “Super Switch on Day” giving thousands of local homes and fims access to superfast broadband. The Department for Culture, Media...
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16 Dec 2013
Bus services face axe, warns report
BUS services in parts of England could disappear due to funding cuts, warns a report. Some 47% of local authorities are reducing their support for buses for 2013 with a...
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06 Dec 2013
Cautious welcome for Autumn Statement
LOCAL authority leaders have given a cautious welcome to measures outlined in the government’s Autumn Statement. The government claims measures contained in the statement will ensure local authorities have the...
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02 Dec 2013
Concern remains for rural Post Offices
CAMPAIGNERS remain concerned about the future for rural Post Offices – despite a £20m programme. The programme aims to provide support for around 3,400 crucial community and outreach Post Office...
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