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Politics
On Thursday 1 May 2025, voters in parts of England will head to the polls to elect metro mayors for several combined authority areas. These roles come with strategic powers over transport, housing, skills, and economic growth — issues that...
The government’s recent announcement of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill promises sweeping reforms aimed at catalysing what is described as the "biggest building boom" in a generation. With the ambitious goal of constructing 1.5 million homes...
Recent discussions in the House of Commons have brought to light the severe implications of bank closures in rural areas. Led by Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, a debate on bank closures in rural areas ...
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has unveiled a comprehensive devolution package set to transform local governance across several regions in England. Under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister of State Jim McMahon,...
On the last day before the festive recess, the House of Lords held a significant debate , initiated by the Lord Bishop of St Albans, focusing on the crucial role and the broad challenges of the rural economy. This...
A House of Lords debate held on 21st November, led by Baroness Northover, centred on the pressing issues facing farming families, particularly in light of recent governmental budget announcements impacting inheritance tax. The session illuminated the deep-seated concerns among small...
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...
As Budget Week commences, the Rural Services Network is preparing to analyse the impact of the upcoming budget announcement on rural communities. Ahead of the official release, the government has made significant pre-budget announcements concerning housing development and education funding,...
Last week in the House of Lords, a pivotal debate unfolded, focusing on the priorities for rural communities - an area of significant interest and concern for us at the Rural Services Network (RSN). The debate substantially echoed the work...
The International Investment Summit, held yesterday, brought forward a series of significant government announcements that signal a new direction for the UK economy. The Prime Minister’s speech emphasised the central role of private sector investment in driving economic...
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HOT TOPICS
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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