Analysis & Commentary

Hot Topics

19 Jul 2016

Getting broadband to the final 5%

Alternative technologies and suppliers show real promise as a means to deliver broadband to remote rural communities, finds Brian Wilson.   Alternative technologies and suppliers show real promise as a...

Read more

21 Jun 2016

Will devolution really benefit rural areas?

Will devolution open up opportunities for rural economic growth and regeneration? Jessica Sellick investigates. As part of plans to rebalance the economy, Government is keen to devolve powers to regions....

Read more

23 May 2016

Escaping the rural pay penalty

Those who start out and then stay in rural jobs find themselves earning the least, finds Brian Wilson. Dr Martin Culliney of Sheffield Hallam University has published a journal article...

Read more

08 May 2016

Universities and local authorities – working together for “rural” people and places?

How are universities and local authorities working together – and is this benefiting rural areas? Jessica Sellick investigates. Through their teaching and research, universities are now seen as critical in...

Read more

08 May 2016

We’re all complicit in housing crisis

Developing new homes in many parts of rural England has been far too difficult, says David Orr. We have a choice between a rural future of slowly atrophying villages being...

Read more

21 Mar 2016

Revealed: Defra’s rural policy plan

Defra’s departmental plan details its policy priorities for 2015-2020. But what does it include? Jessica Sellick takes a look. The departmental plan published by the Department for Environment, Food and...

Read more

13 Mar 2016

Where next for Place-based working?

Many local authorities are thinking about or implementing new models of place-based working. Jessica Sellick investigates. Many local authorities are thinking about or implementing new models of place-based working. In...

Read more

25 Jan 2016

The importance of rural volunteers

The social value of volunteering is now finding its way onto the policy agenda. So what does this mean for rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. From providing services in your...

Read more

03 Jan 2016

How to make rural devolution work

Approaches adopted by large or metropolitan cities will not necessarily suit county areas, finds Brian Wilson. Approaches adopted by large or metropolitan cities will not necessarily suit county areas, finds...

Read more

14 Dec 2015

What next for rural careers education?

CAREERS guidance should be at the heart of schooling – it plays a vital part in helping young people navigate from education to work, says Jessica Sellick. Careers guidance should...

Read more