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In the lead-up to this week's General Election, the future direction of rural policy is a topic of critical importance. Recently, our Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, contributed an insightful article to LocalGov 's essay series, "NextGov," focusing on what rural...
In the tranquil settings of rural Britain, there exists a significant challenge that often goes unnoticed—digital connectivity. Ensuring equitable digital access across all areas is a pressing issue, affecting the day-to-day lives and long-term opportunities for those living in the...
This essay forms part of a collection of essays, Building consent: housing by popular demand published by Localis . Kerry Booth, Chief Executive Rural Services Network In July 2023, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an...
Recently, Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, delivered a compelling op-ed in the Daily Express Newspaper. Highlighting the 'Winning The Rural Vote ' campaign and asserting the crucial role of rural communities in Britain's...
The last week saw significant amounts of rainfall in a short period of time, leading to significant flooding in areas across the country. The BBC reported on the story which detailed over 250 flood warnings in place with many...
It’s been nearly a week since the Chancellor delivered his Autumn Statement and RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth and her team have been digesting what it means for rural communities and the organisations that serve them. There were...
In last week’s Bulletin, I reflected on what rural communities needed to hear in the King’s Speech. I had hoped that we would see the following principles applied through the provisions set out: An approach that considers the...
The Rural Services Network Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, considers Professor Whitty’s new report which urges the government to address failings for older people in rural communities. Today the government’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has published his ...
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network reflects on the King's Speech, due to take place today. This is the first King's Speech since King Charles became monarch. It marks the start of the Parliamentary year and...
Last week the much-anticipated Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill received Royal Assent. The expected game of Ping-Pong between Houses never occurred and most of the government’s changes to the Lord’s amendments were accepted when the Bill returned to the Lords...
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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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