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.
14 Jul 2025
Right to Buy Reform Could Save Rural Pubs and Shops
A community’s right to buy a local asset or business was announced in Parliament last week and welcomed by rural community business charity Plunkett UK. As part of the English...
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14 Jul 2025
Exploring the Impact of Devolution on Affordable Rural Housing
The delivery of affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing rural communities. In many parts of England, rural house prices continue to rise faster than wages, outpacing...
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07 Jul 2025
Rural Housing Week 2025
This week is Rural Housing Week 2025, an annual campaign led by the National Housing Federation to spotlight the vital role affordable housing plays in keeping rural communities vibrant, inclusive...
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07 Jul 2025
New Housing Plan Aims to Boost Supply and Raise Standards
The Government has announced a major new initiative aimed at tackling the housing crisis through a £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme. The ten-year plan sets out ambitions to...
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07 Jul 2025
Councils to be Measured on New Draft Metrics
Last week, the Government published a new draft Local Government Outcomes Framework, setting out a proposed structure for how central and local government might work together to measure progress on...
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07 Jul 2025
Reforming the Right to Buy
The Government has published its response to the consultation on reforming the Right to Buy scheme in England. The reforms are intended to retain a pathway to home ownership for...
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01 Jul 2025
Delivering for All: A Roadmap for Rural Prosperity
A new policy framework from the Rural Services Network Every person, in every place, deserves the chance to thrive — including those living in rural, coastal and small-town communities. The...
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01 Jul 2025
Government Sets Out Industrial Vision
The Government has published a new Modern Industrial Strategy setting out its long-term vision for securing economic growth, increasing productivity, and fostering investment across priority sectors and regions of the...
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01 Jul 2025
NAO Report Finds Local Bus Services in Long-Term Decline
The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a critical new report examining the state of local bus services in England, highlighting a long-term decline in services outside London — with...
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01 Jul 2025
Bringing Care Closer to Home
Hospice UK has published a significant new report, Bringing Care Closer to Home, which calls for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by people living in remote, rural and...
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