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.
26 Aug 2025
Government Launches £9.5 Million Fund To Tackle Digital Exclusion
The Government has announced a new £9.5 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to support local councils, charities and community organisations in helping more people get online. The fund is designed...
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26 Aug 2025
Council Housing Blueprint Could Offer Rural Lifeline
A new report by Policy Exchange has called on the Government to commit to building 100,000 high-quality council homes annually—and its recommendations could have significant implications for rural areas. The...
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19 Aug 2025
Fair Funding: RSN Makes The Case For Rural Local Authorities
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has submitted its response to the Government’s Fair Funding 2.0 consultation, which closed on 15 August. The RSN is the only national body dedicated to...
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19 Aug 2025
New Report Highlights Ongoing Rural Service Challenges
Rural England CIC has today published its latest State of Rural Services 2025 report, providing an updated and detailed picture of how people living in rural areas across England access...
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18 Aug 2025
MPs Call For Urgent Action To Reverse Bus Service Decline
The Transport Committee has warned that bus services in England have suffered a decade of decline, leaving many communities — particularly in smaller towns, coastal areas, and the countryside —...
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18 Aug 2025
Meet Mova: Delivering Digital Infrastructure Where It Matters Most
In a world where connectivity is no longer a luxury but a lifeline, Mova is helping transform the nation’s digital landscape. As a joint venture owned by the UK’s mobile...
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18 Aug 2025
How SMEB is Supporting Communities in the Rural Financial Divide
As traditional bank branches disappear from rural high streets it has impacted local businesses and communities. However there are solutions now stepping up to bridge this gap. At the forefront...
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12 Aug 2025
Rural Health & Care – Tackling Inequalities, Building Resilience
Rural Health & Care Thursday 18 September 2025 | 10:00 – 12:00 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme Access...
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11 Aug 2025
NESO launches first Whole Systems Innovation Strategy
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has published its first Whole Systems Innovation Strategy alongside its Innovation Annual Summary. Developed through extensive engagement with industry, the strategy takes a whole...
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11 Aug 2025
£6 million boost for affordable housing in Northumberland
Northumberland County Council has secured over £6 million from the government’s Brownfield Housing Fund to deliver new affordable homes on redundant and underused sites. The funding — totalling £6.075 million...
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