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This week in parliament the following events are taking place relevant to rural areas. HOUSE OF COMMONS Tuesday 17 December: Oral Questions, Energy Security and Net Zero. Legislation, National Insurance Contributions (Secondary class 1 contributions) Bill....
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...
A report from the House of Lords Library, titled "Rural Communities: Issues and Support," sheds light on various challenges these communities face and the supportive measures needed to address them. This report has been prepared in advance of today’s House...
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Services , supported by the Rural Services Network as the Secretariat, held its inaugural meeting last week with a clear sense of enthusiasm and purpose. With a full room of MPs eager...
Last week, we featured an article highlighting the Risk of Rural Pharmacy Deserts Threatening Medicine Supplies . This week's parliamentary debate continued the focus on rural pharmacy challenges, emphasising the need to address accessibility in these communities. The...
12 July 2024 The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 10 Downing Street London SW1A 2AA Dear Prime Minister, On behalf of the Rural Services Network (RSN), I extend...
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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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