T: 01822 851370 E: admin@sparse.gov.uk
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is thrilled to announce the National Rural Conference 2024, taking place from 16th to 19th September. This virtual event, accessible via Zoom, is the premier gathering for senior officers, members, policymakers, and rural service professionals.
Further information and booking details can be found here
MHCLG is concerned about the overall financial and cashflow impact on local authorities. They have asked for information about the effects on authorities, and, in a letter from the Secretary of State to local authority chief executives, have asked...
The Rural Services Network has long campaigned for fair funding for rural areas. Along with our member local authorities, we aim to influence government policy to fully recognise and address the issues faced by rural communities across England including full...
Whilst media headlines have naturally focussed on the new prime minister’s plans for Brexit, the formation of a new government also has implications for local government funding It has now been confirmed that there will be a one-year spending...
People from rural communities are being encouraged to have their say on the financial and economic issues they face directly to senior policy makers at the Bank of England. The Bank is running citizens’ panels across the UK which...
The MJ this week reports that the issue of new funding responsibilities placed on councils was raised by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee. The Committee questioned Local Government Minister Rishi Sunak on extra costs that councils are...
RSN response to Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement The Rural Services Network has long campaigned for fairer funding for rural areas and it today welcomed the additional £16million allocation to the Rural Services Delivery Grant by the Government in the...
The BBC has published data detailing the extent of council cuts since 2010. The statistics show that in England councils spend most on education, followed by adult and then children’s social care. Despite frequent complaints about high council...
Minister says new funding formula will offer rural areas better deal The Northern Echo reported on comments by Local Government Minister Rishi Sunak MP on how funding is being calculated for local councils as part of the ‘Fairer Funding...
Rural Councils have called for clarity on the future for local government finance and an end to unfair funding for their areas. The Rural Services Network issued the call on behalf of local authorities after the Local Government Finance...
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.