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The closure of magistrates' courts is putting a strain on police budgets and threatens to undermine rural access to the justice system, says the Rural Services Network. RSN chairman Councillor Cecilia Motley said: "Access to justice is a fundamental...
Rural insurer NFU Mutual has warned that Britain’s countryside is in the grip of a crimewave, as latest figures reveal a sharp rise in the cost of rural thefts. Initial estimates from the insurer show theft cost the UK’s...
Rural areas are vital to national economies – both locally and around the world – and should be supported, says the OECD. The OECD released the the policy statement at the 11th OECD Rural Development Conference , which brought delegates...
Mobile network operators are failing to submit planning applications that could help improve coverage in some of the worst served rural areas, say campaigners. Figures obtained by the Country Land and Business Association, said operators were failing to submit...
Commissioning local community organisations to deliver services boosts local economies, says a study. The pilot study found that together 10 local community organisations enabled approximately 1,400 jobs and £120m of gross value to be added to the local economy. Commissioned...
A new grant scheme is offering funding for land managers to restore their historic farm buildings. Launched by Defra, Natural England and Historic England, the Historic Building Restoration Grant is being piloted this year in five National Parks. ...
The UK places with the best rural quality of life are revealed in the latest annual survey by British bank Halifax. Rutland in the East Midlands has been ranked the best rural place to live in England – pipped...
A new scheme is to exempt new broadband fibre connections from business rates – benefiting rural communities, says the government. The Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2018 paves the way for full-fibre broadband and future 5G communications, says the government. ...
The Prince’s Countryside Fund is encouraging people to have their say on the challenges faced by rural residents. Fund representatives are working with Sarah Skerratt from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) on their latest research, Recharging Rural. Professor Skerratt...
The Rural Services Network has featured in a BBC radio programme looking at difficulties faced by rural people accessing healthcare. Broadcast on Friday (30 March), the whole episode of BBC Radio 4's Farming Today programme on Friday...
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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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