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Rural Economies
As the national voice championing rural services, the Rural Services Network (RSN) is proud to reflect on a year of meaningful progress, advocacy, and collaboration. In 2024/25, we continued to deliver on our mission to ensure that rural communities are...
At Current Rates, Clearing Rural Social Housing Waiting Lists Would Take 89 Years. A pioneering partnership between housing and homelessness organisations has launched a report to make the case to scale up Housing First approaches in...
The government has announced a package of reforms intended to address longstanding issues within the local audit system in England, which it describes as “broken” and “fragmented.” The reforms, outlined on 9 April 2025 by the ...
In communities across England, families in desperate need of affordable housing are now facing waits that stretch decades—often far beyond their children’s upbringing—for a family-sized (3+ bed) social home. Analysis released by the National Housing Federation ...
Last week, the government announced a new set of measures aimed at improving visibility, responsiveness, and trust in local policing. As part of the broader “ Plan for Change ”, the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee sets out a commitment...
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage OBE, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, joined around 90 delegates at the Institute of Economic Development (iED) House of Lords reception on Economic Development and the Move to a Modern Industrial Strategy...
The latest " Fixing NHS Dentistry " report by the Public Accounts Committee provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing concerns in NHS dental services across England, with an emphasis on the unique challenges faced by rural communities....
The imminent transition from traditional analogue phone systems to digital landlines has stirred significant concern among rural MPs, as highlighted in a recent parliamentary debate. Led by Damian Hinds MP, East Hampshire, the discussion explored the complexities and challenges that...
Communities across England can now apply for a share of almost £20 million to help care for historic buildings and heritage sites in their local area, ensuring that everyone, everywhere feels proud of where they live. The new £4.85...
The inaugural meeting of the North East Coastal and Rural Taskforce took place recently at the Catalyst, Newcastle, supported by the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise and Newcastle University . The Coast and Rural Taskforce...
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Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
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.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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