Government Policy 2026
15 Sep 2026
Every Postcode: Six Rural Priorities for Government This Autumn
If Government wants good growth in every postcode, rural postcodes need to be part of the plan. As Government sets its sights on growth, living standards and public service reform...
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15 Sep 2026
New Overnight Visitor Levy Powers Announced For Local Leaders
Mayors and other strategic authority leaders in England are to be given powers to introduce a levy on overnight stays, with the revenue available for investment in local priorities such...
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08 Sep 2026
MPs Put Rural Council Funding In The Spotlight
The challenges facing rural councils were placed firmly in the parliamentary spotlight during a Westminster Hall debate on government support for rural upper-tier local authorities. Opening the debate, Helen Morgan...
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08 Sep 2026
Rural Banking: Access Beyond Cash
MPs from across the political spectrum have called for rural communities to be better served by face-to-face banking, warning that branch closures, poor transport and digital connectivity can combine to...
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08 Sep 2026
Councils And Communities Invited To Flag Broadband Gaps
Building Digital UK is seeking information to help identify which homes and businesses could be eligible for future support through Project Gigabit. The latest National Rolling Open Market Review is...
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24 Aug 2026
Devolution Support, Will Every Place Benefit?
The Government has announced that teams of civil servants will be sent to mayoral authorities across England to help local leaders turn new powers into action. From this autumn, every...
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24 Aug 2026
Rethinking Business Rates For Pubs And Hotels
The Treasury has launched an independent review into how business rates are calculated for pubs and hotels in England and Wales. Business rates for these properties are usually based on...
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24 Aug 2026
Christmas Drive To End Rough Sleeping
A new national drive will aim to offer everyone sleeping rough in England a route off the streets by Christmas, backed by a £442 million package of accommodation and support....
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17 Aug 2026
Homelessness Figures Highlight Rural Data Gaps
Record numbers of households and children are living in temporary accommodation across England, but the published figures may not reveal the full extent or impact of homelessness in rural communities....
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17 Aug 2026
Have Your Say On The Future Of Freeview
The Rural Services Network has responded to the Government’s consultation on the future of TV and we are encouraging rural organisations and residents to have their say. The Government is...
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