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COUNTY councils have called for a new deal to end the "postcode lottery" of government funding for rural areas. New statistics suggest England’s 37 county areas collectively received £3.2bn less than the English average this year – including...
Rural life is in decline because countryside pubs, schools and post offices are closing, says a report. Building just a few affordable homes for young families could enhance England’s towns and villages, according to the National Housing...
A pioneering superfast broadband project is benefiting rural communities in North Yorkshire. North Yorkshire County Council is investing more than £12m from its funds, for the next phase of the Superfast North Yorkshire initiative. It is...
RURAL communities are being encouraged to take the lead on developing affordable homes in Northumberland. Northumberland County Council has approved a Community Housing Fund Policy which sets out how the council aims to allocate a £1.3m Community Housing...
Farmers increasingly rely on outside income to make a living, warns a rural fund founded by Prince Charles. Fewer than one in five family farms are making a profit from farming, according to research undertaken by the...
AN independent high-profile commission aims to improve life for rural communities after the UK leaves the European Union. The Royal Society for the encouragement of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce launched the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission...
A £1.2m project aims to trail low-cost ways to reduce the risk of flash floods in rural communities. Led by geographers from Manchester university, the project's goal is to show that landscape restoration can reduce flood risks to communities near...
RURAL researchers will visit two farmers' markets to talk about food and farming – and how their work affects the products we buy. The researchers, from the Countryside and Community Research Institute at the University of Gloucestershire,...
SPENDING time in the countryside is better for your brain than spending time in the city, says a study. Researchers found time spent in rural and coastal locations is more psychologically beneficial to individuals than time spent...
Many rural homes could be heated by vegetable oil within the next five years, claims an industry report. Rural homes currently heated by oil could switch to a renewable alternative, such as a vegetable oil blend, by...
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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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