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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
Last week, The UK Government announced significant investment aimed at improving digital infrastructure in rural areas, with plans to provide faster broadband to approximately 312,000 homes and businesses across Great Britain. This initiative, backed by up to £800...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is pleased to share that we held two highly successful BT Digital Switchover information sessions last week. These exclusive RSN membership events engaged over 260 delegates, including representatives from town, district, and county councils across...
UK landlines are going digital by 2027 Landlines in the UK are going digital, and by 2027 most calls will be made over a broadband line. This is part of an industry-wide change to retire the old...
Community Catalysts, led by Pip Cannons and Helen Allen, are revolutionising health and social care in hard-to-reach areas through community micro-enterprises. This groundbreaking initiative, highlighted by The Local Government Association , aligns closely with the Care Act's principles, promoting...
The Countryside Matters, was the theme of a panel discussion at the Better Transport Conference taking place last week at Kings College, London. Our Chief Executive Kerry Booth was part of this panel and she posed this question back...
A recent report by Age UK , It's a Struggle to be Seen , sheds light on the difficulties faced by those aged over 50 in accessing health and social care services. The findings resonate strongly with the...
Landlines in the UK are going digital, and by 2027 most calls will be made over a broadband line. This is part of an industry-wide change to retire the old and increasingly fragile analogue technology which has supported phone...
Better Transport Week , an annual event dedicated to celebrating and advancing sustainable transport, commenced this week. This focal week highlights the transformative impact of sustainable transport solutions on environmental sustainability, public health, and economic prosperity. By shrinking traffic jams,...
As we support The Marmalade Trust and mark Loneliness Awareness Week , it is crucial to shed light on the unique challenges faced by rural communities in combating isolation and loneliness. In rural areas, geographical isolation, limited...
The recent expansion of the Robin bookable bus service into three new areas in Gloucestershire marks a significant step forward in enhancing transportation options for rural communities. This initiative, which allows residents to book bus journeys up to...
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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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