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Bookings are now officially open for the National Rural Conference 2025, which will take place online from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September.
This is the Rural Services Network’s flagship event of the year, bringing together rural decision-makers, practitioners, and advocates for four days of live, interactive sessions focused on the future of rural communities.
Click here to book!
The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South), recently delivered a statement to Parliament outlining the Government’s new Best Start in Life strategy. The plan sets out reforms to early years services and introduces...
A new report published by CPRE , titled Getting Solar Off the Ground , reveals that a significant proportion of England’s most productive farmland is now being used for large-scale solar energy generation. The research analyses the location...
At CPRE, the countryside charity, we stand for a countryside that enriches all our lives, regenerating our wellbeing, and that we in turn regenerate, protect and celebrate. We believe in countryside and green spaces that are accessible to all, rich...
The countryside charity CPRE , in collaboration with the Aldersgate Group and RenewableUK, has released a new report detailing urgent recommendations for reforming the UK’s planning system. As we work towards achieving the government’s ambitious 2030 clean power and...
In a significant collaborative effort, the Rural Services Network, alongside several key organisations, has sent a joint letter to Matthew Pennycook MP, the Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Authored by leaders from CPRE , ...
Yesterday the RSN hosted a Rural Planning Seminar. With over 70 members from across the RSN and Rural Services Partnership (RSP) membership attending, the event emphasised the collective dedication to enhancing rural planning methodologies and addressing critical issues faced by...
The UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions necessitates an improved onshore planning system for renewable energy and grid infrastructure. A recent interim report, " Insights for the Decarbonised Electricity System: Journeys through Planning ," by the Aldersgate Group, RenewableUK, and...
Last week, independent think-tank Localis published a collection of essays from leading planning experts and local council leaders setting out ideas for how popular approval for new housing and developments might be gained across communities. Entitled ‘...
Groundbreaking analysis from the Countryside Charity, CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England), published last week, reveals that rural homes in England are leading the way in harnessing solar power. According to the report titled " Lighting the way: International policies...
On Tuesday night, the CPRE (The Campaign for the Protection of rural England) launched their latest report into rural affordable housing at a Parliamentary reception. Attended by key stakeholders and those with an interest in rural housing, there were 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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