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Michael Gove announced on Tuesday 4 July 2023 that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities had established the Office for Local Government (Oflog). The purpose of the new office is to provide authoritative and accessible data and analysis...
In our initial response to the Social Care White Paper which we issued the day after the White Paper was published, the Rural Services Network welcomed the ambition of the Government in the Social Care White Paper ‘People at the...
The Shropshire Star reports that 30 local authority leaders have called on Boris Johnson to provide better funding for shire counties A letter has been sent to the Prime Minister outlining the need for greater funding from central government...
The government has unveiled £81m for rural services as part of its finance settlement for local authorities. The funding was announced by communities secretary Sajid Javid as he confirmed the local government finance settlement for 2018-2019 ....
The government is set to confirm its financial settlement for local authorities amid growing concern that councils are struggling to deliver vital services. The final local government finance settlement for 2018/2019 is due to be announced on...
An immediate ban on spending has been announced by Northamptonshire County Council which says it faces a severe financial challenge. The Section 114 notice – which imposes immediate spending controls on the organisation – was announced by...
THE Rural Services Network has welcomed a government promise to do more to support and manage the extra costs of delivering public services in the countryside. The pledge, by local government minister Brandon Lewis, follows a campaign by...
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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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