Access to Services
24 Jul 2013
MPs slam government’s raw rural deal
MUCH more must be done if Defra is to achieve its target of a fair deal for rural businesses and communities, MPs have warned. Countryside communities are getting a raw...
Read more19 Jul 2013
MPs call for evidence on rural transport
AN influential committee of MPs is calling for evidence on passenger transport in isolated communities. The inquiry by the House of Commons Transport Committee believes all communities should have access...
Read more14 Jul 2013
Government to ‘push cut in rural funding’
HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt aims to push ahead with plans to cut funding for rural doctors, it is reported. The government wants to phase out compensation payments for GPs surgeries...
Read more14 Jul 2013
MPs in call for rural broadband cash
A COALITION of MPs in one of England’s biggest rural counties has urged the government to release extra money to help bring faster broadband to local communities. The Superfast North...
Read more10 Jul 2013
Dorset signs rural broadband deal
A multi-million pound contract to bring faster broadband to thousands more homes and businesses has been signed by Dorset County Council. The local authority has agreed a £31.75m deal which...
Read more09 Jul 2013
£4.3m boost ‘puts communities in control’
THE government has unveiled a £4.3m package it says will help improve services for local communities. Extra funding would see at least 100 communities deliver local services that focused on...
Read more07 Jul 2013
Government unveils bus subsidy reforms
THE government has unveiled measures to reform the subsidy system for the bus industry. Under existing arrangements, the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) for both commercial and non-commercial bus routes is...
Read more05 Jul 2013
Auditors slam missed broadband target
A GOVERNMENT programme to roll out superfast rural broadband has been criticised by auditors after ministers admitted it would miss its target. The target to bring superfast broadband to 90%...
Read more03 Jul 2013
Network delivers ‘better services for less’
NINE areas are to receive dedicated government support to help them deliver “better services for less” at a local level. The first nine areas to be championed by the Public...
Read more02 Jul 2013
10-point plan to revive public services
WHITEHALL is denying English communities the public services they deserve, local authority leaders have been told. Sir Merrick Cockell, chairman of the Local Government Association called for a radical overhaul...
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