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The RSN has joined over thirty leading organisations from across planning, housing, nature, and energy to sign a joint letter to Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook, calling for £6.8 million in urgent funding to support Planning Schools...
The Government has announced a new Pride in Place programme , which will hand local communities new powers and funding to revitalise high streets, public spaces, and community assets. The initiative forms part of the Government’s Plan for...
A new report from Citizens Advice Stroud & Cotswold Districts has exposed the extent of child poverty in areas often perceived as affluent. Child Poverty: Local Evidence – National Action (August 2025) reveals that one in...
The Department for Business and Trade , together with the Post Office , has launched a public consultation seeking views on the future of the Post Office network. The consultation covers a wide range of issues, including the...
The Rural Services Network’s Delivering for All survey is now live – and we want to hear from you. If you live in a village, small town, hamlet or isolated rural area, please take just 8–10 minutes...
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, was recently invited to contribute a blog reflecting on the funding challenges faced by rural councils. We are pleased to share her article below. Public services are the...
This year's National Rural Conference has drawn to a close after four days of debate, discussion and learning focused on the future of rural communities. Over the course of the week, 743 delegates actively took part, contributing to an...
MPs from across the House last week debated the urgent need for reform to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system , following a petition signed by more than 120,000 people. Contributors spoke of families battling long...
In rural areas across England, accessing essential government services can often be a significant hurdle. Long travel times, limited public transport options, and inconsistent broadband coverage create barriers for rural residents that people in other parts of the country may...
British pubs and publicans have been at the heart of their local areas for centuries, meeting social needs and connecting communities, but new research has put a figure on just how much social value they bring. Groundbreaking research from...
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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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