News
05 Aug 2026
New Devolution Plans Promise Greater Local Powers And Funding
The Government has announced a major new package of devolution reforms aimed at giving local leaders greater control over investment, public services and economic growth across England. Under plans unveiled...
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05 Aug 2026
Government Sets Out New Direction For Adult Social Care
The Prime Minister has pledged a new approach to adult social care in England, describing reform as a national priority and committing to work across political parties to build a...
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28 Jul 2026
Record Numbers Still Unable To Afford Essentials
A new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) suggests the cost of living continues to place significant pressure on millions of households across the UK, despite some improvements in...
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28 Jul 2026
New Guidance Aims to Improve Rural Walking and Cycling Routes
Local authorities have been given new guidance to help create safer, more accessible walking, wheeling and cycling routes across rural England, with the publication of Active Travel England‘s first Rural...
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28 Jul 2026
Rural Crime Report Highlights Progress, But Warns Threat Remains
The latest NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2026 suggests that while the financial cost of rural crime has fallen for a second consecutive year, the impact on rural communities remains...
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28 Jul 2026
Take A Look At Our New Website!
You may have noticed that things look a little different here! We’re delighted to launch the new Rural Services Network website, designed to make it easier to find the latest...
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20 Jul 2026
Government Confirms LGR Decisions
The Government has confirmed the next phase of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), setting out decisions on new unitary authority arrangements across 14 areas in England. The announcement affects a number...
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20 Jul 2026
Exploring Solutions To Rural Affordable Housing
Affordable housing remains one of the defining challenges facing rural communities, affecting not only those looking for a home but also the ability of businesses, schools and local services to...
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20 Jul 2026
New Flexible Bus Service Goes the Extra Mile
A new demand-responsive bus service has launched in Westmorland and Furness, offering a fresh approach to tackling one of rural communities’ most persistent challenges – access to reliable public transport....
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20 Jul 2026
Beyond Smartphones: Digital Access In Schools
A new report from the Digital Poverty Alliance is calling for greater recognition that access to a smartphone alone is not enough for children to fully participate in modern education,...
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