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.

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24 Jun 2024

Ahead of the General Election, the Rural Coalition calls for stronger rural economies to boost national prosperity

24/06/2024 – The Rural Coalition, an alliance of twelve national organisations dedicated to enhancing rural life, is calling for attention to be given to boosting rural economies as part of...

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17 Jun 2024

Joint Appeal to Protect Rural Postal Services

ACRE, Plunkett UK, and the Rural Services Network (RSN) have jointly signed an open letter addressing significant concerns regarding Royal Mail. The letter is directed to the Secretary of State...

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17 Jun 2024

Balancing Growth: Ensuring Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

The below article was recently published in LOCALGOV, on the need for sustainable development in rural areas.  It is reprinted in full below and can be accessed at this link....

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10 Jun 2024

Rural Services Network Urges Action on 4G Connectivity Challenges in Rural Areas

The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee’s recent publication has raised serious concerns about the UK’s ability to meet its 2025 target of extending 4G coverage to 95% of the...

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10 Jun 2024

Digital Poverty Alliance: National Digital Poverty Overview 2024

The Rural Services Network is pleased to share the 2024 National Digital Poverty Overview, a pivotal report by the Digital Poverty Alliance. This comprehensive document addresses the ongoing issue of...

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Rural Economy Spotlight – June 2024
Members only

10 Jun 2024

Rural Economy Spotlight – June 2024

A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities Winning the rural vote – unleashing...

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03 Jun 2024

Securing Rural Futures: Engaging PPCs in the Winning the Rural Vote Campaign

As members of the Rural Services Network (RSN), our collective commitment to advocating for the needs of rural communities remains unwavering. With the deadline for Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) to submit...

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28 May 2024

Enhancing Rural Connectivity: Progress and Future Prospects

In a recent parliamentary session, Simon Fell, Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness, engaged with the Digital Infrastructure Minister, Julia Lopez, about advancing rural connectivity. Highlighting the success of...

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20 May 2024

Empowering Rural Communities with Digital Connectivity

In the tranquil settings of rural Britain, there exists a significant challenge that often goes unnoticed—digital connectivity. Ensuring equitable digital access across all areas is a pressing issue, affecting the...

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20 May 2024

New Powers to Revitalise High Streets and Fill Empty Shops by Summer 2024

New powers for communities to regenerate high streets and fill empty shops will be in force by the summer, the government announced last week. High Street Rental Auctions, a new...

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