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Rural Business
Our work on Local Government Finance is split into two areas, the Fairer Funding campaign and a financial analysis of local authority budgets.
The government has announced new legal powers aimed at revitalising town centre high streets and transforming long-term vacant commercial properties. Set to come into effect on 2 December 2024, the High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) will allow local councils to...
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...
Bringing cash services back to rural communities is what SMEB is undertaking with its payment Cube. Local businesses can sign up to the service and as the Cube is designed to be in a safe and convenient place...
As the new government settles into place, gets down to business, and with its first Budget looming on the horizon, there’s a lot of interest from our Forum members and micro and small business in general on potential changes to...
The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) has produced two new videos demonstrating how firms are adapting and innovating in an ever-changing business environment. The rural business insights films showcase: Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses - highlighting...
The area of Westmorland and Furness is a historic and scenic county of northwestern England. Geographically the third largest local authority in England, it is home to approximately 225,000 people. Some of the county towns are in rural areas, which...
The launch of the British Infrastructure Taskforce by Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP last week, signals a promising shift in the UK’s approach to infrastructure investment. With an emphasis on collaboration between government and business, this initiative could potentially...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is pleased to report on the ongoing efforts to bring gigabit-capable broadband to rural communities across Yorkshire, enhancing digital connectivity for households and businesses alike. This development marks a significant step towards bridging the digital...
Connecting Devon and Somerset’s (CDS) Mobile Boost scheme offers businesses and homes in Devon, Torbay, Plymouth and Somerset vouchers of up to £1,300 towards technology to help improve indoor mobile coverage and connectivity. Hear from Peter Samwell, a...
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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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