Devolution News and Updates
The latest news stories and updates from the RSN relating to devolution across England.
20 Oct 2026
Rural Voice Must Be Built Into Devolution, Report Warns
Devolution could bring significant benefits to rural England, but fair funding and stronger rural representation must be part of its foundations, a new report warns. Published by the All-Party Parliamentary...
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14 Oct 2026
Devolution and its impact on rural areas
Devolution has the potential to bring decisions closer to the people and places they affect. But unless rural needs are built into the system from the outset, communities across the...
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12 Oct 2026
Devolution Was Unofficial Theme Of Labour Party Conference
Written by Kerry Booth Chief Executive, Rural Services Network While ‘Hope again’ was the official badge of the Labour Party Conference, Devolution, felt like the unofficial theme as session after...
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22 Sep 2026
Open Letter To The Prime Minister: Good Growth Must Reach Rural England
The Rural Services Network has written an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging the Government to ensure its ambition for “good growth in every postcode” reaches rural England....
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15 Sep 2026
New Overnight Visitor Levy Powers Announced For Local Leaders
Mayors and other strategic authority leaders in England are to be given powers to introduce a levy on overnight stays, with the revenue available for investment in local priorities such...
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08 Sep 2026
Local Government Reorganisation: RSN Calls For Clarity
The Rural Services Network has called on the Government to provide councils with urgent clarity and ensure rural fairness is central to its review of Local Government Reorganisation. The Government...
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24 Aug 2026
Devolution Support, Will Every Place Benefit?
The Government has announced that teams of civil servants will be sent to mayoral authorities across England to help local leaders turn new powers into action. From this autumn, every...
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06 Jul 2026
Making devolution work for affordable rural housing
English Devolution and rural affordable housing opportunities and risks Research from English Rural Housing Association shows how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities...
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23 Jun 2026
Can Devolution Deliver More Affordable Homes In Rural Areas?
As England's devolution agenda continues to reshape local government, questions are being asked about what the changes could mean for rural communities and the delivery of affordable housing.
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05 Jun 2026
Exploring the potential for prospering rural areas with English Devolution
A new report commissioned by CPRE and produced by Grounded Insight explores the potential of English devolution to address the imbalance in policymaking and investment in its rural areas.
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