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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.
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News
With less than a week to go, anticipation is building for the National Rural Conference 2025 . Taking pace from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September , members of the Rural Services Network will gather online for four days...
This week marks National Rural Crime Action Week 2025, led by the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN). The Rural Services Network is proud to be a partner, joining forces with organisations across the country to shine a light...
The Campaign for Better Transport has welcomed a major report from the House of Commons Transport Select Committee , which backs many of its key calls for improving bus services in rural areas and small towns. ...
MPs from across the political spectrum have spoken out in passionate defence of free-to-air terrestrial television, warning of the risks posed if the government moves to phase it out in favour of internet-only TV. The Westminster debate, led by...
Applications are now open for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships, giving UK citizens a unique opportunity to explore global solutions to the challenges facing communities today. Every year, the Churchill Fellowship funds more than 100 individuals to spend...
The English Devolution Bill , which contains proposed legislation for a Community Right to Buy, passed its second reading in the House of Commons last week (2 September). It will now move to committee stage, and is due...
Monday 15 September 2025 | 10:00 – 12:00 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme Fair funding is the thread that runs through all our work...
Wednesday 17 September 2025 | 10:00 – 12:00 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme Reaching Net Zero is one of the defining challenges of our...
Residents, businesses and community groups in Ribble Valley are invited to have their say on the future of local government in Lancashire. Ribble Valley Borough Council could be abolished by 2028 in the biggest shake-up of local government in...
BBC North West recently reported on the difficulties faced by people living and working in the village of Silverdale, Lancashire. The coverage highlighted two issues familiar across many rural areas: a shortage of affordable housing and limited transport options....
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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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