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The Chancellor's Autumn Budget 2024 presents a critical juncture for rural communities across the UK. As we pore over the details in the comprehensive budget document, the Rural Services Network (RSN) acknowledges the government's efforts to address broad...
The spirit of community was celebrated in abundance at the 2024 Rural Community Business Awards hosted by the charity, Plunkett UK , last month. Eight community businesses or individuals from across the UK were crowned winners during the...
Community-owned businesses are growing in number and remain a robust, sustainable model, according to research published this week by Plunkett UK . According to Plunkett’s Community Ownership: A Better form of Business report the sector saw...
The National Community Business Conference 2024 takes place on Thursday 23 October 2024 from 9.30am – 4pm at Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, a community-owned venue on London’s South Bank. The day promises to deliver the very best...
A study funded by the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) has researched the potential for pubs to diversify into providing workspace to broaden their income. Led by the University of Lincoln in partnership...
ACRE , Plunkett UK , and the Rural Services Network (RSN) have jointly signed an open letter addressing significant concerns regarding Royal Mail. The letter is directed to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, emphasising the importance...
Woodgate Community Shop Opening - Credit: Andrew Ogilvy Photography A pioneering community-owned shop, placed at the heart of Thakeham’s Woodgate development near Pease Pottage in West Sussex, has opened its doors. The launch is a significant milestone...
Plunkett UK , a charity supporting community ownership across the UK, has released its 2024 Impact Report , highlighting the transformative effect of community-owned businesses in rural areas. In this article, the Rural Services Network focuses on the impact...
Six inspirational community-owned businesses from across the UK and the people behind them have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to their communities, and as being the most inspiring businesses of their kind by the Plunkett Foundation at its Rural...
New research by Plunkett Foundation has shown that community businesses are committed to social and environmental action despite facing multiple challenges which are threatening the economic viability of many businesses UK wide. The recently published report provides a state-of-the-sector...
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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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