T: 01822 851370 E: admin@sparse.gov.uk
BBC News reports that experts warn energy bills are set to remain high despite a cut in prices from July. A typical household will pay £2,074 a year for gas and electricity from July, £426 a year less than...
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse has released a detailed report exploring the cost-of-living crisis in rural areas and investigating the extent of the 'rural premium' Government neglect of the rural...
The Government’s Powering Up Britain Strategy, announced today (30 March 2023), has missed the opportunity to recognise the role of renewable liquid gases in the future off-grid energy mix. Although the strategy adopts positive policies, including more funding for...
The Telegraph reports households are being blocked from making net zero upgrades to their homes due to lack of electricity supply, the energy watchdog has warned Residents of rural villages have been told by network operators there...
The BBC report how tougher rules over which homes can be forcibly switched to a prepayment energy meter have been criticised by campaigners who want a total ban Customers must be given more chance to clear debts...
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have launched a consultation on community benefits for electricity transmission network infrastructure alongside their plans for Powering Up Britain, which set out how they are taking action to achieve their energy security...
On 21 September 2022, the Government has outlined plans to help cut energy bills for businesses Full details are available here The following information is for organisations and businesses who use alternative fuels for...
The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP launched the Spring Budget 2023 last week in Parliament and the Rural Services Network has been exploring some of the headline announcements to see their impact for rural communities. Indeed, whether the policies introduced...
Annual Fuel Poverty Statistics published on 28 Feb 2023 for the year 2022 show that in 2022, households living in rural areas have a higher rate of fuel poverty and a much larger fuel poverty gap Households living in...
The i reports that the Liberal Democrats have called for an “energy rescue package” to be introduced in the Budget to help rural communities hit hardest by rising energy bills Exclusive analysis by the party, revealed to i, shows...
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
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.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.