Government Policy 2026
02 Feb 2026
New Homes Accelerator Expands
Phase 2 of the New Homes Accelerator has launched, widening support to unblock stalled housing developments and accelerate delivery across England. The programme has already helped speed up progress on...
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02 Feb 2026
Plunkett UK Raises Concerns Over Government Pub Support Package
Plunkett UK has expressed disappointment at the government’s announcement of a 15% discount on pubs’ business rates bills from April. The national charity warns that the measures are nowhere near...
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27 Jan 2026
RSN Presses Government On Rural Funding
The Rural Services Network has written directly to Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, setting out our concerns about the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement...
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27 Jan 2026
National Design Guidance Updated To Shape Future Neighbourhoods
The government has published updated national design guidance aimed at raising the quality of new housing developments and creating neighbourhoods that are healthier, safer and more resilient to climate change....
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27 Jan 2026
Councils Granted Election Delays To Complete Reorganisation
The government has confirmed it will bring forward legislation to postpone local elections for a number of councils undergoing local government reorganisation, citing the need to free up capacity to...
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13 Jan 2026
RSN Voices Serious Concerns Over ‘Fairness’ Of Settlement
The Rural Services Network has serious concerns over the new ‘fair and transparent’ Local Government Funding formula. Our analysis shows that in 2026-2027, the most urban councils will receive 41%...
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12 Jan 2026
New Pothole Ratings Shine A Light On Rural Road Challenges
A new government map showing how well councils are tackling potholes has put local road maintenance firmly back in the spotlight. Published by the Department for Transport, the interactive map...
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12 Jan 2026
Over 100 Rural Mobile Masts Upgraded To Improve 4G Coverage
The government has announced a major milestone in improving mobile connectivity across rural Britain, with more than 100 mobile masts now upgraded to provide 4G coverage from all major mobile...
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06 Jan 2026
Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026/27
The Government has published the provisional local government finance settlement for 2026/27, outlining planned funding allocations for local authorities in England and launching a statutory consultation on its proposals. While...
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05 Jan 2026
Government Sets Out Major Planning Reforms
In the days leading up to the parliamentary recess over Christmas, the Government set out a series of significant announcements on planning reform, housing delivery and infrastructure. Together, these measures...
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