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.
27 Oct 2025
CQC Warns Underfunded Community Services Risk Care Quality ‘Erosion’
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has warned that the health and social care system remains fragmented and under severe strain as England prepares for a major shift from hospital to...
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27 Oct 2025
Government To Renew Women’s Health Strategy
The government has announced that the Women’s Health Strategy will be renewed as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare and tackle inequalities faced by women across England. Published...
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27 Oct 2025
Environment Agency Set For Stronger Powers On Water Breaches
Water companies that commit environmental offences could soon face quicker and tougher fines of up to £500,000, under new measures proposed by the Government. A consultation has been launched to...
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27 Oct 2025
Eden Housing Secures £45m Funding To Boost Affordable Homes In Cumbria
Eden Housing, the 2,000-home housing association will use the increased financial capacity to deliver its Business Plan to invest in homes in North Cumbria. This includes building new affordable homes...
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27 Oct 2025
Petition Seeks Continued Support for Neighbourhood Plans
A petition has been launched urging the Government to continue funding for community-led Neighbourhood Plans, which enable towns, parishes and local groups to shape development in their areas. The petition,...
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20 Oct 2025
Funding Boost To Help Village Pubs Serve Communities
Rural pubs to receive funding to help broaden their services As part of the Plan for Change, projects include community cafes, village stores and play areas For every £1 invested...
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20 Oct 2025
Social Care Workforce Grows But Pressures Persist
The adult social care sector in England contributed an estimated £77.8 billion to the economy in 2024/25, according to Skills for Care’s latest report. The State of the Adult Social...
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13 Oct 2025
RSN Joins Sector Call To Unfreeze Local Housing Allowance
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has joined more than 40 leading housing, homelessness, and anti-poverty organisations in signing a joint letter to the UK Government urging action to unfreeze Local...
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13 Oct 2025
More Than A Minibus: The Reality Of Rural Transport
This week is Community Transport Week, a nationwide celebration of the extraordinary role that community transport plays in helping people stay connected. Across rural England, community transport schemes are a...
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13 Oct 2025
Community At The Heart Of New Plunkett UK Partnership
Community business charity Plunkett UK is delighted to announce a new three-year strategic partnership with the country’s largest homebuilder, Barratt Redrow. The partnership between the two organisations is founded on...
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