Barriers to Access

The RSN campaigns to help rural residents overcome multiple access barriers to key services which includes poor transport and broadband.

Hot Topics

18 May 2017

Network backs call for better rail services

The Rural Services Network has signed a charter demanding a better deal for rail passengers in south-east England. Passenger groups across the South East are uniting behind the charter, which...

Read more

15 May 2017

Mobile not-spots ‘hobble’ rural areas

RURAL areas across the UK are being ‘hobbled’ by poor mobile phone reception, says a survey. Full or partial mobile signal ‘not-spots’ affects 70% of firms, according to the study...

Read more

07 May 2017

How to tackle rural financial exclusion

With many local bank branches disappearing and a growing emphasis on digital services, what can be done to tackle financial exclusion in rural places? Jessica Sellick investigates. Many people in...

Read more

05 May 2017

Communities get faster broadband at last

MORE rural communities are signing up to a BT scheme bringing faster broadband to hard-to-reach areas. Through its Community Fibre Partnership programme, BT has made a commitment to help communities...

Read more

04 May 2017

Rural students ‘have Oxbridge potential’

A PILOT scheme aims to encourage more rural students to study at top universities. Oxford University will pilot a summer school this year to help maximise engagement with students from...

Read more

28 Apr 2017

‘Action needed now on rural housing’

Urgent action is needed to provide more affordable homes in the countryside, says the Rural Services Network. The network issued the warning in response to a report by MPs which...

Read more

28 Apr 2017

Reaction to ‘Housing – State of the Nation’ report

PRESS RELEASEFor immediate release Friday 28 April 2017 RSN chief executive Graham Biggs said: “Housing is consistently rated as one of the top challenges facing rural communities across the country....

Read more

27 Apr 2017

Bus Act ‘chance to boost services’

NEW measures are an opportunity for local authorities to improve services, say transport campaigners. The government confirmed on Thursday (27 April) that the Bus Services Bill has Royal Assent and...

Read more

26 Apr 2017

‘Digital tax’ proposal ditched – for now

Rural businesses have welcomed a government decision to drop its Making Tax Digital plan from the Finance Bill. The plan would have required businesses to submit tax information online rather than...

Read more

13 Apr 2017

One in 10 unhappy with broadband

ONE in ten people are dissatisfied with their broadband service, reveals a report. Some 92% of mobile customers, 89% of landline telephone customers and 87% of broadband customers were satisfied...

Read more