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.
10 Nov 2026
Rural Poverty Needs Joined-Up Solutions
Tackling rural poverty means looking beyond household income to how transport, housing, energy and public services work together, a new report suggests. Published by the University of Glasgow’s Centre for...
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10 Nov 2026
New Visitor Levy Powers Proposed To Support Local Tourism
The Visitor Levy Bill, introduced in Parliament on 4 November, would give mayors and strategic authority leaders the option to introduce a charge on overnight accommodation. Money raised would remain...
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03 Nov 2026
Budget Promises Growth In Every Postcode, But Will It Reach Rural Communities?
The Budget offers opportunities for rural homes, businesses and services. The next test is whether funding and delivery reflect the realities of rural life. The Government’s promise of “good growth...
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03 Nov 2026
Rural Opportunities Hidden By Council-Level Figures
Employment disadvantages in smaller rural and coastal communities can be hidden by wider council-level figures, according to new research from the Social Mobility Commission. State of the Nation 2026: Who’s...
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29 Oct 2026
National campaign celebrates how Young Farmers’ Clubs belong in their rural communities
Rural young people across England and Wales celebrated the benefits of belonging to the UK’s largest rural youth organisation, The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), in October. National...
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29 Oct 2026
Coastal insights inform regional policy discussions
How can policy and investment better reflect the needs of coastal and rural communities? The North East Coastal and Rural Taskforce is exploring that question through a series of Solution...
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29 Oct 2026
Pub is The Hub is focused on helping more pubs to support their rural communities
As part of a new Hospitality Grant Scheme, Pub is The Hub has been given access to funding to support pubs to offer additional services and activities. This includes adding village stores,...
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29 Oct 2026
New approaches to tackling rural housing shortages in Northumberland
Community Action Northumberland (CAN) and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) have brought together housing providers, planners and other key stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to the shortage...
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29 Oct 2026
Living and working beyond the streetlights is different
For those of us who live and run businesses in the countryside, life is different, and I think this has been brought home even more with the Government’s recent Preparedness...
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28 Oct 2026
Initial Response To Budget Energy And Cost Of Living Support Announced
A joint statement from the Rural Services Network (RSN) and Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE). We welcome the £100 household energy payment and recognise the help it will...
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