Analysis & Commentary
23 Jan 2017
The [rural] impacts of a better defence estate
Will rural communities benefit from changes in the way the government defends the country? Jessica Sellick investigates. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation supports the armed forces in building, maintaining and servicing...
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11 Jan 2017
Small steps can speed up broadband
Setting up a community broadband scheme is hard work, but short term steps can also solve your problems, says Daniel Heery. Setting up a community broadband scheme is hard work,...
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19 Dec 2016
Are rural carers overwhelmed by need?
Providing care for loved ones is rewarding, it can also bring physical and emotional challenges. Jessica Sellick investigates. Carers or caregivers not only reduce demand on health and social care...
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28 Nov 2016
Do rural communities face a ‘justice desert’?
What does delivering a proportionate and effective justice system mean for rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. Since the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215 to the creation of the Crown...
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09 Oct 2016
Where the wild things are – a ‘future natural’ countryside?
Just what does “rewilding” mean for rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. Recent years have seen proposals to reintroduce lynx, wolves and bears into the countryside. The idea has captured the...
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22 Sep 2016
Hefty impact of rising housing costs
For many groups, rising housing costs have negated any increase in income they’ve received. One result is a ballooning Housing Benefit bill, finds Brian Wilson. For many groups, rising housing...
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18 Sep 2016
Will the government’s new industrial strategy benefit rural communities?
What does the government’s return to business focused policy-making mean for rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. Industrial Strategy is back – Theresa May featured it in her leadership speech as...
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06 Sep 2016
How to make ‘rural data’ count
How can we use data to make a stronger case for rural? Jessica Sellick investigates. Rural-relevant data and statistics are scattered across different websites, in different formats, with different indicators....
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21 Aug 2016
Avoiding the rural unemployment cliff
What can we do to help rural people missing out on employment opportunities? Jessica Sellick investigates. Unemployment is falling, but many people are struggling. What can we do to help...
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07 Aug 2016
Shaking up or short-changing rural?
What role is (and could) philanthropy play in rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. When most of us hear the word ‘philanthropy’ we think of wealthy individuals supporting worthwhile causes. So...
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