Devolution News and Updates
The latest news stories and updates from the RSN relating to devolution across England.
08 Dec 2025
Will Devolution Deliver For Rural Communities?
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...
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24 Nov 2025
RTPI Calls for Rural Focus in English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published an amendment briefing calling for the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to explicitly recognise and address the needs of rural communities....
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08 Sep 2025
Community Right To Buy A Step Closer Following Parliamentary Vote
The English Devolution Bill, which contains proposed legislation for a Community Right to Buy, passed its second reading in the House of Commons last week (2 September). It will now...
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14 Jul 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill Launched
The Government introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to Parliament last week, describing it as a landmark step in its ambition to decentralise power and drive local growth...
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14 Jul 2025
Exploring the Impact of Devolution on Affordable Rural Housing
The delivery of affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing rural communities. In many parts of England, rural house prices continue to rise faster than wages, outpacing...
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07 Apr 2025
North East Launches Coastal and Rural Taskforce
The inaugural meeting of the North East Coastal and Rural Taskforce took place recently at the Catalyst, Newcastle, supported by the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise and Newcastle University....
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17 Mar 2025
RNH Seeks Research Partner for Project on Devolution’s Impact on Rural Affordable Housing
As a proud member of the Rural Housing Network (RHN), the Rural Services Network (RSN) is pleased to share that the RHN is currently in the process of selecting a...
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11 Feb 2025
Key Updates on Local Government Devolution Plan
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has unveiled a comprehensive devolution package set to transform local governance across several regions in England. Under the leadership of Deputy Prime...
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17 Dec 2024
Devolution White Paper
The Government has published the Devolution White Paper which sets out their vision and plans for devolving power across the nation. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has vowed to make...
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25 Nov 2024
Urgent Reform Needed: Localis Report Calls for Overhaul of Local Government Funding
In a timely new report, Biting the Bullet: Funding Local Government in this Parliament and Beyond, the think tank Localis outlines a vision for reforming the UK’s local government finance...
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