Devolution News and Updates
The latest news stories and updates from the RSN relating to devolution across England.
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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26 May 2026
New Neighbourhood Guarantee Aims To Improve Local Services
Communities across England are set to see changes to local public services under a new government-backed “Neighbourhood Guarantee”, recently announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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29 Apr 2026
Combined authorities and the rural lens: Establishing the North East Coastal and Rural Taskforce
Presentation by Professor Jeremy Phillipson, Director and Melanie Thompson-Glen, Head of Business and Innovation, National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise
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27 Apr 2026
Rural And Coastal Communities Backed In Devolution Bill
The House of Lords has reinstated a key amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, introducing a specific competence on rural affairs for the new Strategic Authorities set...
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30 Mar 2026
Devolution Bill Debates Focus On Scrutiny And Accountability
Peers have continued detailed discussions on the Government’s English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, with recent debates focusing on how new powers will work in practice, and who will hold...
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09 Mar 2026
RSN Highlights Rural Challenges In Devolution Inquiry
The Rural Services Network’s Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, recently gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry exploring how rural communities fit within the Government’s devolution agenda. The session formed part of...
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29 Jan 2026
Will Devolution Deliver for Rural Communities? New Research Released
New research shows how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities – if rural priorities are embedded in local strategies and supported by national safeguards. At English...
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19 Jan 2026
Rural Amendments Head to Lords Committee Stage
Following our recent coverage of the Royal Town Planning Institute’s call for stronger rural recognition in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we wanted to share a short update...
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