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The government has announced a significant £1 billion investment to boost bus services across England, aimed at improving accessibility and reducing the disparities in bus service quality across different regions. This funding initiative, announced by the Department for Transport and...
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...
We’re pleased to announce that the Rural Services Network is actively participating in the newly established advisory forum on the future of UK television, led by Media Minister Stephanie Peacock. This forum will play a crucial role in ensuring that...
Neighbouring villages around Shrivenham are benefiting from a new community transport service, supporting residents to live well and independently within their own communities. West Vale Mobility has been developed by Shrivenham Parish Council, with funding support from Oxfordshire County...
The Go Green West Norfolk project is offering grants of up to £8,000 to help community, village halls, and sports facilities in West Norfolk reduce their carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency. This funding, sourced from the UK Shared Prosperity...
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...
The government has released Invest 2035, a new industrial strategy aimed at establishing long-term economic growth across the UK. This green paper outlines key areas of investment in skills, infrastructure, digital innovation, finance, and stability in policy, with...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is expressing significant concern following the announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to increase the national bus fare cap to £3 until the end of 2025. This decision, which marks a 50%...
The government has announced a series of steps aimed at addressing long-standing challenges facing the National Health Service (NHS) and improving service delivery. This announcement, which marks the start of a phased approach to strengthen the healthcare system,...
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...
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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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