Government Policy 2026
17 Aug 2026
New Planning Rules to Allow More Homes Near Train Stations
Thousands of new homes could be built near well-connected train, tram and underground stations under changes to England’s planning rules announced by the Government. The revised National Planning Policy Framework...
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17 Aug 2026
£65 Million Drought Package Announced for England’s Farmers
Farmers in England are to receive £65 million in new drought support following the driest July on record in England and Wales. The Government has announced the package designed to...
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10 Aug 2026
New Mental Health Centres Planned Across England
The Government has announced a £343 million programme to expand community and emergency mental health provision across England, with up to 159 new NHS facilities planned. The programme will include...
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05 Aug 2026
New Devolution Plans Promise Greater Local Powers And Funding
The Government has announced a major new package of devolution reforms aimed at giving local leaders greater control over investment, public services and economic growth across England. Under plans unveiled...
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05 Aug 2026
Government Sets Out New Direction For Adult Social Care
The Prime Minister has pledged a new approach to adult social care in England, describing reform as a national priority and committing to work across political parties to build a...
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05 Aug 2026
The Big Conversation On Care
People across England are being invited to help shape the future of adult social care through The Big Conversation on Care, a nationwide public engagement launched by Baroness Louise Casey...
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05 Aug 2026
Housing Concerns Raised Over Local Government Reorganisation
A new report from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has highlighted growing concern among housing professionals that local government reorganisation (LGR) could disrupt housing services and weaken the focus...
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28 Jul 2026
A New Prime Minister: What It Means for Rural Communities
Andy Burnham has entered Downing Street promising a “circuit breaker for Britain”, with a new approach focused on devolution, the cost of living and giving local areas more power to...
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21 Jul 2026
RSN Response To The Prime Minister’s First Speech
The Rural Services Network (RSN) congratulates the Prime Minister on taking office and looks forward to hearing more about the Government’s plans to support communities across the country. The Prime...
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20 Jul 2026
Government Confirms LGR Decisions
The Government has confirmed the next phase of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), setting out decisions on new unitary authority arrangements across 14 areas in England. The announcement affects a number...
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