Rural Economies
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.
21 Oct 2026
PM Urged To Act As Rural Charities Call For Urgent Support For Heating Oil Users
Targeted financial support for off-grid homes is urgently needed as hundreds of thousands of families face price rises of over 75 per cent for heating oil as they prepare for...
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20 Oct 2026
Rural Voice Must Be Built Into Devolution, Report Warns
Devolution could bring significant benefits to rural England, but fair funding and stronger rural representation must be part of its foundations, a new report warns. Published by the All-Party Parliamentary...
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20 Oct 2026
Your Place, Your Future: Help Shape The Future Of Rural Communities
What do rural communities want from their councils and local areas by 2040? A new national conversation from the Local Government Association (LGA) is inviting residents and organisations across England...
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12 Oct 2026
Devolution Was Unofficial Theme Of Labour Party Conference
Written by Kerry Booth Chief Executive, Rural Services Network While ‘Hope again’ was the official badge of the Labour Party Conference, Devolution, felt like the unofficial theme as session after...
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12 Oct 2026
SEND Funding Brings Relief, But Rural Delivery Matters
Funding to reduce historic SEND deficits will ease pressure on council finances. For rural families, the key test is whether approved plans lead to better access to support. The Department...
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12 Oct 2026
Rural Independent Advisory Group Gives Voice To Rural Communities
The views of rural communities across Essex are being represented at the new Essex Police Rural Independent Advisory Group. Fourteen people from various rural backgrounds, including farmers, business organisations, landowners...
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12 Oct 2026
Rural Community Transport: Keeping Communities Connected
A lift to a medical appointment, a journey to college or a trip to meet friends. In rural communities, being able to make that journey can make a significant difference...
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05 Oct 2026
Rural Households Face 74% Heating Oil Rise As Winter Approaches
Rural households that rely on heating oil are facing sharply higher costs as winter approaches. New analysis from Action with Communities in Rural England show that heating oil prices increased...
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05 Oct 2026
How Rural Councils Are Preparing For Flooding
From volunteer flood watchers to groundwater alerts, a new collection of case studies shows how parish and town councils are helping rural communities prepare for flooding. Published by the National...
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05 Oct 2026
Almost £10 Million Announced For Community Food Projects
DEFRA has announced almost £10 million in funding to help 45 communities across England improve access to healthy, affordable food. Each recipient local authority will receive £222,000 to develop projects...
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