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.

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15 Sep 2025

Arts Rural Touring Toolkit Gets Major Makeover

A guide to help artists to tour rural communities has been given a fresh lease of life for the first time in two decades.  Rural touring takes professional live performances...

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08 Sep 2025

National Rural Crime Action Week 2025 – Seeing the Bigger Picture

This week marks National Rural Crime Action Week 2025, led by the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN). The Rural Services Network is proud to be a partner, joining forces with...

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08 Sep 2025

Funding Opportunity: A Chance To Turn Bold Ideas Into Real Change

Applications are now open for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships, giving UK citizens a unique opportunity to explore global solutions to the challenges facing communities today. Every year, the Churchill Fellowship...

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08 Sep 2025

Community Right To Buy A Step Closer Following Parliamentary Vote

The English Devolution Bill, which contains proposed legislation for a Community Right to Buy, passed its second reading in the House of Commons last week (2 September). It will now...

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Rural Economy Spotlight – September 2025
Members only

04 Sep 2025

Rural Economy Spotlight – September 2025

A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities Rural Economy & Regeneration – Driving...

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01 Sep 2025

Affordable Housing and Rural Transport Challenges in Lancashire

BBC North West recently reported on the difficulties faced by people living and working in the village of Silverdale, Lancashire. The coverage highlighted two issues familiar across many rural areas:...

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01 Sep 2025

Rural Economy & Regeneration – Driving Growth And Opportunity

Monday 15 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme A thriving rural economy underpins...

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01 Sep 2025

Government Expands Childcare and Holiday Support for Families

The Government has announced a major expansion of childcare support, set to save working parents up to £7,500 per year. From September, families with children aged 9 months up to...

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01 Sep 2025

RSN Joins Call To End Permitted Development Rules Costing 28,000 Affordable Homes

Campaigners from local government, housing providers, and homelessness charities have signed an open letter calling on Government to scrap permitted development rights (PDR) that have cost thousands of affordable homes....

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26 Aug 2025

Thousands More Checks, Tests And Scans Now Available Out Of Hours

The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that 100 Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) across England are now offering out-of-hours services, open 12 hours a day, seven days a...

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