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.
28 Jul 2026
Could Political Reform Create New Opportunities for Rural Policy?
A recent blog from the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) explores how major political change can sometimes create unexpected opportunities for rural policy. Professor Neil Ward reflects on...
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28 Jul 2026
Record Numbers Still Unable To Afford Essentials
A new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) suggests the cost of living continues to place significant pressure on millions of households across the UK, despite some improvements in...
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28 Jul 2026
New Guidance Aims to Improve Rural Walking and Cycling Routes
Local authorities have been given new guidance to help create safer, more accessible walking, wheeling and cycling routes across rural England, with the publication of Active Travel England‘s first Rural...
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28 Jul 2026
Rural Crime Report Highlights Progress, But Warns Threat Remains
The latest NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2026 suggests that while the financial cost of rural crime has fallen for a second consecutive year, the impact on rural communities remains...
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20 Jul 2026
Government Confirms LGR Decisions
The Government has confirmed the next phase of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), setting out decisions on new unitary authority arrangements across 14 areas in England. The announcement affects a number...
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20 Jul 2026
New Flexible Bus Service Goes the Extra Mile
A new demand-responsive bus service has launched in Westmorland and Furness, offering a fresh approach to tackling one of rural communities’ most persistent challenges – access to reliable public transport....
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20 Jul 2026
Beyond Smartphones: Digital Access In Schools
A new report from the Digital Poverty Alliance is calling for greater recognition that access to a smartphone alone is not enough for children to fully participate in modern education,...
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20 Jul 2026
School’s Out, Adventures Await, If You Can Get There
With the summer holidays now underway in some parts of England and just about to begin in others, there is some welcome news for many families. Throughout August, children aged...
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13 Jul 2026
Report Highlights Rural Economy Priorities
A report published today by the Labour Rural Research Group explores the opportunities and challenges facing the rural economy and sets out a series of recommendations aimed at unlocking growth...
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13 Jul 2026
Councils Call For Locally Led Adult Social Care Reform
The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the Government and the Casey Commission to ensure councils remain at the heart of future adult social care reform, arguing that lasting change...
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