Analysis & Commentary
03 Nov 2014
Is rural life so great outdoors?
People are failing to reap the benefits from engaging with the natural environment. Jessica Sellick reports. A growing body of evidence demonstrates the contribution of green spaces to mental and...
Read more26 Oct 2014
More spending control for local authorities?
What services should local authorities provide and at what cost? Jessica Sellick investigates. With local authorities gaining more ‘control’ over spending at a time of ‘cuts’ and ever increasing spending...
Read more20 Oct 2014
What role for local authorities managing the natural environment?
ARE living, working rural landscapes integral to economic growth? Jessica Sellick investigates. The natural environment includes a range of landscapes – from uplands to urban fringe and coastline – with...
Read more29 Sep 2014
A healthcare settlement for rural England?
HOW can we ensure debates about health and social care address issues faced by rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. In 2013, The King’s Fund established the ‘Commission on the Future...
Read more15 Sep 2014
Changing face of rural library services
Community libraries have grown rapidly in number and are taking on a variety of roles in rural communities, finds Brian Wilson. Community libraries have grown rapidly in number and are...
Read more15 Sep 2014
How social enterprise boosts rural services
Making sure ‘more’ is ‘better’ – Jessica Sellick examines how social enterprises are contributing to service delivery and sustainable rural communities. Often referred to as ‘businesses with social objectives with...
Read more16 Aug 2014
A brighter future for market towns?
INITIATIVES set up under the 2000 Rural White Paper to help market towns may have passed into history, but their legacy lives on, finds Brian Wilson. INITIATIVES set up under...
Read more06 Jul 2014
The changing face of rural Scotland
YOUNG people in rural Scotland can face a stark choice – move away or stay and face limited opportunities, finds Brian Wilson. YOUNG people in rural Scotland can face a...
Read more23 Jun 2014
Planning for Britain’s rural future
Are planning reforms breathing new life into rural communities or bringing them into battle over unwanted development? Jessica Sellick Investigates. In his ‘Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing’, Matthew...
Read more06 May 2014
Local identity and local governance
PEOPLE are more trusting of local than national government, but does this always translate into wanting local policy decisions? Brian Wilson finds out. PEOPLE are more trusting of local than...
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