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Bookings are now officially open for the National Rural Conference 2025, which will take place online from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September.
This is the Rural Services Network’s flagship event of the year, bringing together rural decision-makers, practitioners, and advocates for four days of live, interactive sessions focused on the future of rural communities.
Click here to book!
News
Rural Connectivity Tuesday 16 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme Access to reliable digital services is no longer...
The Rural Services Network is encouraging rural residents to take part in important new research from Rural England CIC – and to help share it across their communities before the end of August. Rural England CIC...
A trailblazing community business in West Sussex is demonstrating how local enterprise can help shape inclusive, resilient places — right from the start of a new development. The Woodgate Community Shop, which opened in May 2024, is the first...
A new report by the Institute of Economic Development (iED) and AtkinsRéalis “puts universities at the centre of the debate on how to generate growth in local and regional economies with national impact”. It is critical...
The term Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) comes up frequently in discussions about tackling the rural housing crisis—but what do they actually do? Rural Housing Enablers are independent facilitators who work with rural communities to help bring forward...
The Patients Association – a national charity that amplifies the patient voice and works to improve health and social care – is running two online focus groups to support the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in reviewing its...
Liquid Gas UK has responded to new survey findings by the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), which highlights the high cost of installing heat pumps remain a major barrier for most UK households. The trade association,...
A £1million revamp of Clitheroe town centre featuring a raft of on-street improvements is nearing completion. Over £700,000 of improvements to Castle Street, including the narrowing of the road, resurfacing and widening of footways, new signage, parking and loading...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is leading a proactive response to the Government’s Fair Funding Review consultation, calling for urgent action to end the funding inequalities that continue to disadvantage rural communities — and to unlock their full potential as...
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has issued a stark warning that the current local government funding system is no longer sustainable – calling for urgent reform to protect vital services and local democracy. The Committee’s...
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HOT TOPICS
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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