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The Rural Services Network has given a cautious welcome to the government's provisional local finance settlement for local authorities. But the network has also warned warned that more must be done to ensure a fairer deal for...
The Prince’s Countryside Fund has announced a major project examining the sustainability of rural communities. It has appointed Professor Sarah Skerratt of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) to conduct research into the sustainability of rural communities across the...
MORE than 1 million homes and businesses still lack decent broadband – especially in rural areas, says a report. Further action needed to improve broadband and mobile coverage for 1.1m homes and businesses, says the report by...
Rural businesses and communities are reminded that there is still time to apply for funding under the Rural Development Plan for England. Two new grant funds have been launched under the Countryside Productivity Scheme. The Improving...
The government has unveiled a £25 million fund to help local authorities to deliver more homes. Now open for bids, the Planning Delivery Fund will support local authorities and third sector organisations in areas of high housing need....
FOUR in five rural businesses are embracing the digital economy – but many say lack of training and skills is hampering their growth. E-commerce plays a big role in helping rural businesses to export, with 80% using...
Consumer group Which? has warned that widespread ATM closures could leave people without cash. The group has called on the regulator to intervene over future of the ATM network. New proposals cast doubt over Britain’s free-to-use...
Lack of public transport could be behind a high rate of drink-driving in rural areas. More motorists are charged with drink-driving in largely rural areas than in urban and more built-up areas, suggests a study. The...
FORMER Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has hit out at NHS England bosses for not backing down on proposed service charges. The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale spoke out after a local medical group in hs constituency...
RURAL people are being asked to write to their MPs and call for a review of non-emergency patient transport services. It follows warnings by Age UK that older people are facing huge difficulties getting to routine hospital appointments....
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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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