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The Rural Services Network (RSN) has conducted an initial analysis of the recent Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and is deeply concerned about the implications for England's rural communities. While the government promised no reductions in Core Spending Power,...
As reported in the Press, The first coastal 'tourist tax' in the UK is set to be introduced in Dorset, targeting visitors to Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole from July 1st. The Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) spearheaded the...
The County Councils Network (CCN) has warned that local authorities across England, especially those in rural areas, are facing an unprecedented financial crisis. The majority are set to significantly increase council tax, a measure intended to protect local services and...
As the Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill received Royal Assent last week, a raft of new measures came into force which the government says will “put local people at the heart of development”. It says the Act will: ...
There are fresh concerns that a new ban on charges to dispose of DIY waste in England will push up costs for rural households. Following a consultation, the Government announced that Local Authorities will have to scrap the charges...
England’s largest councils today warn that any moves to cut their budgets next year would be ‘worse than austerity’ and result in ‘devastating’ reductions to local services – with local authorities offering just the bare minimum. With the new...
The impacts of dangerous climate change will affect all communities. This much is already clear from the rural impacts of increasingly frequent storm damage, flood events and periods of drought. Minimising man-made climate change matters as much to rural communities...
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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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