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.
24 Jun 2025
New NFU Mutual Report Highlights Growing Impact of Rural Crime
The latest Rural Crime Report from NFU Mutual offers a detailed picture of the financial and emotional toll rural crime continues to take on our communities. Drawing on annual claims...
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16 Jun 2025
Government Responds to Committee’s Call for Improved Transport Accessibility
The House of Commons Transport Committee has published the Government’s response to its report Access Denied: Rights versus Reality in Disabled People’s Access to Transport. The report highlights the persistent...
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16 Jun 2025
Rural Housing Emergency
Affordable Housing Need 50% Greater in Rural Areas, Report Reveals England’s rural communities are experiencing an affordable housing crisis of unprecedented scale, with the need for affordable homes is more...
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12 Jun 2025
Spending Review 2025 – RSN Initial Response
The Rural Services Network welcomes the publication of today’s Spending Review as an important marker of this new government’s priorities — and we particularly note the Chancellor’s commitment to ensuring...
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09 Jun 2025
Rural Economy Spotlight – June 2025
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities New platform supports UK producers of...
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09 Jun 2025
Spotlight on Bank Closures and Rural Communities
Bank closures and their impact on rural communities were firmly in the national spotlight last week, with the issue debated in Parliament and discussed on Sky News. Ahead of the...
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09 Jun 2025
NAO Highlights Weaknesses in Developer Contributions System
A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) highlights significant weaknesses in the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government’s (MHCLG) developer contributions system in England — a key...
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09 Jun 2025
New Bill Aims to Strengthen Controls on Second Homes and Short-Term Lets
A new Private Members’ Bill has been introduced to Parliament that seeks to tighten planning rules for short-term holiday lets and second homes. The proposal would require property owners to...
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09 Jun 2025
Spending Review: £1bn Call to Tackle Bus Service Gaps
Campaign for Better Transport is calling for an additional £1 billion a year for buses as its analysis reveals four out of every ten wards in England and Wales (3,003...
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09 Jun 2025
Government Announces £7.6m For Local Government Reorganisation Proposals
The Government has published details of Proposal Development Contributions: Area Allocations, setting out funding to support areas submitting proposals for Local Government Reorganisation. £7.6 million has been made available to...
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