T: 01822 851370 E: admin@sparse.gov.uk
Last week we reported on the Government’s announcement of 10 council to test the use of digital tools in the planning process. The announcement included £1.1 million grant fund to implement a ‘pathfinder’ programme across 10 councils...
Thousands of rural customers are set to gain access to "life-changing" broadband following the completion of a major corporate deal, reports the Yorkshire Post. Northleaf Capital Partners, a global private markets firm, has acquired a majority share in Yorkshire-based...
Richard Clewer, chair of the Countryside Climate Network and leader of Wiltshire Council, argues in the Environmental Journal this week that the UK will “never reach net-zero unless rural areas play a significant role in cutting carbon emissions” He points...
Trade bodies representing rural Britain have welcomed plans by BT Openreach to build full-fibre broadband to at least three million more homes and businesses in some of the country’s hardest-to-serve communities, according to Computer Weekly Openreach will now build...
Telecom giants Virgin Media and O2's £31billion merger has launched with the newly formed firm promising to help power the nation's recovery after coronavirus, according to MailOnline Representing the biggest UK merger in a decade and the largest UK...
Research published by Northumbria University is exploring how shifting work patterns and home-buying preferences are changing rural communities Analysis of data from the past decade shows that rural areas which attract new residents in their 20s and 30s also...
At the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday 11 May, the Government, through the Queen’s Speech, set out its priorities and programme for the coming session including the legislation it intends to pass. The Queen’s Speech states the programme it...
The Rural Services Network is encouraging people to respond to the Open Consultation from Government on Improving Broadband for Very Hard to Reach premises The consultation closes on 11th June 2021: Improving broadband for Very Hard to Reach...
Oxfordshire publican Dan Redfern is opening a library and IT hub at his pub The Cherry Tree Inn in Stoke Row to help support local residents as the country moves out of lockdown Dan Redfern, who runs the Brakspear...
Farming UK reports that a cross-party group of MPs and peers has launched a new inquiry that wants to explore ways to boost the UK rural economy post-pandemic The inquiry will explore why rural productivity is 18 percent below...
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
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.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.