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Politics
The Rural Services Network will press the new government for a fairer deal for rural communities and local authorities. The network has called on the incoming government to set the framework for a thriving rural economy, mixed rural...
The Labour Party has unveiled a rural manifesto outlining its policy pledges for the countryside. It pledges that a Labour government will build a rural economy that works for working people and supports rural families and...
THE Liberal Democrats have set out a package of measures they claim will help rural communities thrive. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg unveiled the Countryside Charter on Tuesday (21 April). See also: Political manifestos under...
PLEDGES made by the main political parties ahead of the general election are a mixed bag for rural communities, says the Rural Services Network. The Rural Services Network analysed manifestos published by the three main political parties...
POLITICIANS chasing the rural vote may discover that it has unexpected teeth, says NFU Mutual. As the general election on 7 May draws closer, the rural insurer says home owners have a "duty of care" to ensure >political...
FUNDING is now available for projects that will create thousands of jobs across England, says the government. Some £2.9bn in development funding over six years has been earmarked for projects that support innovation and boost businesses. The...
A £4m increase in government funding makes little difference to the financial injustice suffered for years by countryside communities, the Rural Services Network has warned. Not all rural local authorities would benefit from the small increase which failed...
THE Rural Services Network is continuing to pile on the pressure after a government minister agreed there was "still more to do" to rectify a funding shortfall for rural local authorities. Local government minister Kris Hopkins made the comment...
DEFRA has been urged to establish a special forum to share rural best practice across government. The recommendation to develop the Rural Proofing Forum was made in a key report by Lord Ewen Cameron of Dillington. Lord...
The UK public have little faith in Westminster to deliver positive change for people living in rural communities, reveals a YouGov survey. Only one in 25 people believes this year's general election will have a positive impact on...
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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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