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.
12 May 2025
Planning and Infrastructure Bill Proposes Measures to Fast-Track Development
The Government has introduced the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which sets out a package of proposed reforms aimed at speeding up the delivery of housing and critical infrastructure across England....
Read more
12 May 2025
GP Surgery Refits to Ease Appointment Access
Patients across England are set to benefit from over 8.3 million additional GP appointments each year, as part of a government-funded programme to modernise more than 1,000 GP surgeries. Backed...
Read more
12 May 2025
Child Homelessness Hits Eighth Record High
New government statutory homelessness figures reveal that child homelessness has hit a record high for the eighth consecutive quarter, with 165,510 children now living in temporary accommodation—a 14% rise in...
Read more
12 May 2025
Councils Given New Powers to Tackle Fly-Tipping Vehicles
The Government has announced new powers for councils aimed at tackling the persistent problem of fly-tipping across England’s streets, lanes and rural areas. Under the latest measures, local authorities will...
Read more
12 May 2025
Early Bird tickets on sale for 2025 Annual Conference, and Annual Awards now open for entry
Early Bird registrations are now open for the 2025 Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Conference and Awards Dinner themed Good Growth: Driving the UK economy with investment in our...
Read more
06 May 2025
A Royal Call to Action at the Rural Housing Conference
The Rural Services Network was proud to be represented by Assistant Chief Executive Nadine Trout at last week’s Rural Housing Conference, jointly hosted by English Rural and Action with Communities...
Read more
06 May 2025
Government Urged to Act on Cash Payment Access
The recent publication of the Treasury Committee’s Acceptance of Cash report casts a fresh spotlight on the rapidly shifting payment landscape in the UK, and its consequences for rural communities....
Read more
06 May 2025
Reframing the Rural Economy
Rural communities are not just surviving—they are striving to shape their own economic futures. That was the clear message from last week’s RSN member exclusive seminar on the Rural Economy....
Read more
06 May 2025
Conference Explores Immersion and Diversity
Rural Touring organisations are set to gather in Newbury from 24-26 June 2025. People from arts organisations from across the UK will gather in June to champion rural and small-scale...
Read more
06 May 2025
Affordable Homes Key to Unlocking Rural Business Growth
New research commissioned by Community Action Northumberland (CAN) reveals the growing pressure rural employers face due to a shortage of affordable and suitable housing for workers across Northumberland. Nearly one in two...
Read more