T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
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.
The winners of the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Annual Awards 2024 have been announced. At an Awards Dinner held in the Great Hall at BMA House in London last week, following on from the sold-out IED...
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...
We're delighted to share that RSN has been featured in the latest edition of LG First Magazine! You can read Councillor Roger Phillips' insights on building momentum for rural prosperity and the outcomes of this year’s National Rural Conference below....
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 substantial £50 million investment to create a new facility dedicated to the manufacturing of lifesaving medicines, which will serve the National Health Service (NHS) and bolster the country’s health security. Chancellor Rachel Reeves made the...
Sharing the stage with a Minister, last week Rural Services Network Chief Executive Kerry Booth stressed the importance last week of rural organisations being at the table to contribute to discussions on growing the nation's economy. Speaking at 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...
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.