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The Rural Coalition urges political parties to address rural challenges to gain ground among countryside voters 10 July 2023: Rural England’s population of 9.7 million risk being left further behind after the next general election if the political...
A back business debate on local government’s role in reaching net zero last week highlighted the vital part they have to play. Wera Hobhouse MP (Lib Dem, Bath) said: “Local authorities determine what is built in our...
The BBC have reported how their research has uncovered billions of pounds' worth of green energy projects are on hold because they cannot plug into the UK's electricity system. Some new solar and wind sites are waiting...
It’s been a rollercoaster few years with unexpected twists and turns, from the pandemic, war in Ukraine to the cost of living crisis. Whilst we might be hoping for a brief respite, there’s another challenge which remains firmly on the...
On Thursday 30th March the Government launched its plans to ‘scale up affordable, clean, homegrown power and build thriving green industries in Britain.’ The new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was created in February and the manifesto...
Business Green reports that according to the Royal Society, government ambitions to boost food production, while simultaneously reserving more areas for nature protection and fighting climate change, risks "overpromising" finite UK land, unless efforts are made to tackle disjointed policymaking...
The impacts of dangerous climate change will affect all communities. This much is already clear from the rural impacts of increasingly frequent storm damage, flood events and periods of drought. Minimising man-made climate change matters as much to rural communities...
Insulation, heat pumps and solar are among the measures being installed. Image credit: OVO Ovo Energy Solutions, Cornwall Council and Council of the Isles of Scilly are retrofitting 400 homes through Government Sustainable Warmth and Social housing Decarbonisation...
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has a new online event on fighting climate change, taking place on 25 May 2022 37% of local (parish and town) councils have declared a climate emergency, with a further 8% declaring...
Local Cumberland paper The News and Star reports on comments from Transport Minister Trudy Harrison MP (Con) revealing the Government’s areas of focus for reducing carbon emissions Mrs Harrison said that making transport greener is a top priority in...
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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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