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.
02 Jun 2026
New Report Highlights Future Skills Demands
Skills England has published its first Annual Skills Report, setting out the challenges and opportunities facing England's workforce over the coming decade.
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02 Jun 2026
Funding Available For Innovative Transport Projects
Organisations with innovative ideas to improve the UK's transport system are being invited to apply for the latest round of the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme.
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26 May 2026
Call For Evidence: Rural Resilience and Off Gas Grid Heating
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Services has launched a new inquiry examining the resilience of rural communities, with a particular focus on energy costs, off-gas grid homes and...
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26 May 2026
New Neighbourhood Guarantee Aims To Improve Local Services
Communities across England are set to see changes to local public services under a new government-backed “Neighbourhood Guarantee”, recently announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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26 May 2026
Government Announces Summer Cost Of Living Support Package
The Government has announced a new package of measures aimed at helping households and businesses manage ongoing cost-of-living pressures, including free bus travel for children across England during August. The...
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26 May 2026
Measuring What Matters: Understanding The Social Value Engine
The Rural Services Network is delighted to invite members to an exclusive online session exploring how organisations can better understand, evidence and communicate the wider impact of their work through...
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26 May 2026
MPs Raise Concerns Over Rural Access To Banking Services
MPs from across the political spectrum have urged the Government to review how banking hubs are assessed and delivered, warning that rural communities are being left behind as bank branch...
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26 May 2026
Heart Of The Community: Somerset Pub Transforms Into Vibrant Village Hub
A once empty Somerset pub is bursting back to life by diversifying to become a thriving community hub complete with a village store, café, library, and a packed calendar of...
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18 May 2026
What The King’s Speech Means For Rural Areas
The King’s Speech sets out the Government’s legislative programme for the year ahead, outlining the Bills and policy priorities Ministers intend to bring before Parliament
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18 May 2026
Households Continue To Feel Cost Of Living Pressures
A newly published House of Commons Library briefing has highlighted how households across the UK are continuing to feel the lasting effects of the cost-of-living crisis, despite inflation easing from...
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