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The government has announced a significant £1 billion investment to boost bus services across England, aimed at improving accessibility and reducing the disparities in bus service quality across different regions. This funding initiative, announced by the Department for Transport and...
The government is launching a major reform of the children’s social care system , described as the most significant in a generation. The aim is to address years of neglect and underinvestment, which have led to rising costs and...
Pharmacy owners across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including those in rural areas, have voted overwhelmingly to reduce opening hours and halt home delivery services in response to ongoing funding cuts. This historic move, orchestrated by the National Pharmacy...
The government has announced new legal powers aimed at revitalising town centre high streets and transforming long-term vacant commercial properties. Set to come into effect on 2 December 2024, the High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) will allow local councils to...
Rural Local Authorities Unite to Demand Fair Funding in Upcoming Local Government Finance Settlement
Fifty-seven local authorities across England have united with the Rural Services Network (RSN) to address the unique financial challenges they face and to advocate for equitable funding in the forthcoming Local Government Finance Settlement. In a joint letter to the...
We’re pleased to announce that the Rural Services Network is actively participating in the newly established advisory forum on the future of UK television, led by Media Minister Stephanie Peacock. This forum will play a crucial role in ensuring that...
In a groundbreaking study released by the County Councils Network (CCN), alarming new insights reveal the significant financial and social pressures facing social care systems dedicated to working-age and lifelong disabled adults in England. The study, conducted in...
The Dispensing Doctors’ Association (DDA) Chairman Dr Richard West has written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting over incoming changes to employers' NI contributions affecting GPs. Following confirmation that GPs will not be exempt from the charge announced...
The ADASS Autumn Survey 2024 , conducted by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services , reveals significant challenges in adult social care across England. The survey, with a high response rate from councils, highlights escalating financial...
Our latest analysis highlights the significant role of housing development in sustaining rural communities and enhancing the economic viability of local services. Between 2009 and 2024, Predominantly Rural areas of England have shown noteworthy trends in house building compared to...
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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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