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Analysis & Commentary
Viable alternative transport options to the car is important for the health and wellbeing of an ageing population, says Brian Wilson. A fairly recent news item told us that there are now more than 200 centenarians driving...
How can we support rural places to thrive? And what should be in the government’s rural Productivity Plan? Jessica Sellick investigates. Reasons why rural areas have grown or declined since the onset of the recession have been examined...
How lonely are countryside dwellers and what can be done about it? Jessica Sellick investigates. For many people, rural sights, sounds and communities are preferable to an urban lifestyle. But for others - particularly the young and elderly...
Policy measures designed to tackle fuel poverty need redesigning, scaling up and better targeting, finds Brian Wilson. Policy measures designed to tackle fuel poverty, such as ECO, need redesigning, scaling up and better targeting, finds...
What can we do to reduce the stigma and inequalities facing rural people experiencing mental distress? Jessica Sellick investigates. According to Defra’s Statistical Digest of Rural England , if you live in the countryside your life expectancy increases...
How can we ensure rural voices are heard during the forthcoming General Election? Jessica Sellick investigates. Back in 2010, the government set out a number of policy commitments which were intended to have a direct impact...
NEIGHBOURHOOD planning might be counted a success in terms of the number of communities now involved, though it can still be viewed as burdensome and challenging, finds Brian Wilson. Locality, the organisation which manages government grants for neighbourhood planning...
WHAT does it mean for residents when their place they live or work is classed as 'rural'? Jessica Sellick investigates. A ccording to the Office for National Statistics, some 43.7 million people in England (82.4% of the population)...
FOR England's economic potential to be realised, policy must look beyond metropolitan areas, finds Brian Wilson. At the back end of 2014 an interim report called 'How the Other Half Grows ' was published by the Independent Commission...
Do young people have a stake in the future of our rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. Frozen out of getting a foot on the property ladder, the most economically active moving out, negative stereotyping and a lack of...
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HOT TOPICS
Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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