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The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Services , supported by the Rural Services Network as the Secretariat, held its inaugural meeting last week with a clear sense of enthusiasm and purpose. With a full room of MPs eager...
The 2024 National Rural Conference commenced yesterday, bringing together over 200 engaged delegates to discuss two crucial topics: Rural Fair Funding and the Rural Economy & Regeneration . The first day proved to be a great success, with...
A new report from Localis emphasises the need for comprehensive reforms to help the government achieve its ambitious national missions. The report calls for empowering local leaders to take proactive and preventative approaches to service provision and fostering...
In the past week, a number of government reports and speeches shed light on the challenges facing health and social care in England. While these documents provide valuable insights and suggest significant reforms, specific references to rural healthcare are notably...
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced the introduction of a landmark piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on pollution by water companies. The Water (Special Measures) Bill , unveiled by Environment Secretary...
Last week, we featured an article highlighting the Risk of Rural Pharmacy Deserts Threatening Medicine Supplies . This week's parliamentary debate continued the focus on rural pharmacy challenges, emphasising the need to address accessibility in these communities. The...
Are you passionate about rural communities and ready to take on a flexible, rewarding role that supports vital rural services across England? The Rural Services Network (RSN) is excited to announce an opening for an Administrative Support Officer ,...
Last week, the Rural Services Network (RSN) brought together 52 rural housing and planning experts to help shape our formal response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). With the consultation deadline fast...
Last week, The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) released a new report, " The Economic Impact of Local Bus Services ," highlighting the considerable economic and social value that local bus services bring to communities across the UK....
Many rural areas risk being left as ‘pharmacy deserts’ if current pharmacy closure rates continue, new analysis by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has found. New NPA analysis of pharmacy closures over the last two years shows that rural areas have been hit hardest...
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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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