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A new policy framework from the Rural Services Network Every person, in every place, deserves the chance to thrive — including those living in rural, coastal and small-town communities. The Rural Services Network is proud to launch Delivering for All:...
The Government has confirmed the next phase of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), setting out decisions on new unitary authority arrangements across 14 areas in England. The announcement affects a number of Rural Services Network member authorities and marks the next...
A new demand-responsive bus service has launched in Westmorland and Furness, offering a fresh approach to tackling one of rural communities' most persistent challenges - access to reliable public transport. Developed by Westmorland and Furness Council, The Extra Mile is...
A new report from the Digital Poverty Alliance is calling for greater recognition that access to a smartphone alone is not enough for children to fully participate in modern education, arguing that every pupil should have access to a suitable...
With the summer holidays now underway in some parts of England and just about to begin in others, there is some welcome news for many families. Throughout August, children aged 5 to 15 will be able to travel free on...
A report published today by the Labour Rural Research Group explores the opportunities and challenges facing the rural economy and sets out a series of recommendations aimed at unlocking growth across rural communities. Drawing on evidence from organisations across the...
The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the Government and the Casey Commission to ensure councils remain at the heart of future adult social care reform, arguing that lasting change must be nationally supported but locally led. In a new...
The public will be invited to help shape the future of adult social care in England as part of a major national conversation being launched by the Casey Commission later this summer. Speaking at the Local Government Association Annual Conference,...
A new manifesto setting out the case for greater investment in rural and coastal regions was launched by Britain's Leading Edge at last week's Local Government Association (LGA) Conference. The Britain's Leading Edge Manifesto 2026 argues that predominantly rural areas...
A new interactive Bus Mapping Tool from the Campaign for Better Transport is providing a detailed picture of where bus services are falling short across England and Wales, helping identify communities most in need of improved public transport. Using a...
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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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