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Rural Economies
The Rural Services Network’s Delivering for All survey is now live – and we want to hear from you. If you live in a village, small town, hamlet or isolated rural area, please take just 8–10 minutes...
British pubs and publicans have been at the heart of their local areas for centuries, meeting social needs and connecting communities, but new research has put a figure on just how much social value they bring. Groundbreaking research from...
Nearly one million young people in the UK are currently NEET - not in education, employment or training. Too often, they are treated as a statistic, a problem to be solved later. But the Youth Employment UK ...
The National Rural Conference 2025 opened on Monday with members, partners and stakeholders coming together to champion the voice of rural communities. Day one focused on two major themes: Fair Funding and the Rural Economy . The...
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University have published the latest update to the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) – the income required for households to reach a...
The Trussell Trust has published its second Hunger in the UK report , offering a comprehensive look at the scale and drivers of food insecurity across the country. The findings show that despite easing inflation, hardship is deepening...
Remote coastal communities are being left behind and need urgent, targeted support, MPs warned in a Commons debate last week . Leading the discussion, Perran Moon MP described how areas like Cornwall face unique pressures that...
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 such as theatre, music, dance, or comedy...
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 organisations across the country to shine a light...
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 funds more than 100 individuals to spend...
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HOT TOPICS
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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