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THE government's rural watchdog is looking at how small rural businesses have fared during the economic downturn. The Commission for Rural Communities is embarking on a three-month project looking at the success of rural micro-businesses in a time...
BRITAIN'S wet summer is set to cost the rural economy £240m due to cancelled events, according to forecasts. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) arrived at the figure after a string of events, including the CLA Game...
PLANS to help bring empty and redundant rural buildings back into productive use have been unveiled by the government. The proposals would make it easier to re-use existing agricultural, retail and commercial buildings, such as offices and warehouses,...
A GOVERNMENT strategy to support local shops does not go far enough, claim rural retailers. The document – Parades to be Proud of: Strategies to support local shops – was unveiled by communities secretary Eric Pickles on Wednesday...
THREE in five rural businesses are dissatisfied with their broadband speeds, reveals a study. Businesses are suffering with the slow speed of their broadband, says the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Its report, The Missing Links –...
RURAL businesses in south-west England show it is possible to innovate and grow, believes DEFRA secretary Caroline Spelman. Mrs Spelman's held a rural roadshow at the Devon County Show on Thursday (17 May). She heard firsthand about...
THE Countryside and Community Research Institute is examining the impact of different practices on cod fishing. Based in Gloucestershire, the CCRI is undertaking the research for the North Sea Regional Advisory Council (NSRAC). It will also explore...
THE government's £60m rural economy grant scheme has been massively oversubscribed. Hundreds of applications were sent to Defra by the 30 April deadline, with total grants requested dwarfing available funds. Launched in February, the scheme invited applications...
RURAL communities have a second chance to apply for rural broadband funding. It aims to help communities in the remotest areas get superfast broadband to help transform their businesses and the wider community. Details of how to...
LOWER investment in rural business over the next 12 months could lead to restricted growth, say analysts. The Rural Economy Index examined more than 100 businesses in the countryside during the first quarter of 2012 to provide a...
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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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