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Future of Rural Areas
The RSN is challenging often overlooked rural threats such as chronic underfunding, changes in population and diminishing resources.
The Government has published its latest update on rural proofing: The Government’s Approach to Rural Proofing 2025 . It sets out examples of how departments have considered rural needs across areas such as housing, digital connectivity, transport and the...
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced that rural communities across the country are set to benefit from up to £38 million in funding. Up to £33 million will be directed...
The government recently addressed the Rural Services Network's (RSN) concerns regarding the new Industrial Strategy , which had been perceived as overlooking the potential and needs of rural areas. The response comes after the RSN's letter to Rt...
The government has recently unveiled the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC), a strategic initiative designed to bolster economic growth and enhance living standards nationwide. This announcement came from the Department for Business and Trade ...
The Government has announced last week a ‘sweeping overhaul of local planning committees, as part of new measures to tackle the housing crisis. Under new plans to modernise the planning approval process, applications that comply with local development plans...
This analysis presents the life expectancy by gender at birth in 2020-22. It provides for comparison the life expectancies for the rural-urban classifications. ? Download the Population Life Expectancies analysis here...
The Chancellor's Autumn Budget 2024 presents a critical juncture for rural communities across the UK. As we pore over the details in the comprehensive budget document, the Rural Services Network (RSN) acknowledges the government's efforts to address broad...
The government has released Invest 2035, a new industrial strategy aimed at establishing long-term economic growth across the UK. This green paper outlines key areas of investment in skills, infrastructure, digital innovation, finance, and stability in policy, with...
Last week, along with hundreds of Local Authority senior Members and Officers, our Chief Executive Kerry Booth and Assistant Chief Executive Nadine Trout journeyed to Harrogate for the Local Government Association Conference in the home of North Yorkshire Council. ...
A report from the House of Lords Library, titled "Rural Communities: Issues and Support," sheds light on various challenges these communities face and the supportive measures needed to address them. This report has been prepared in advance of today’s House...
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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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