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.
09 Mar 2026
Spring Forecast: Growth Promised, Rural Gap Persists
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, set out the Government’s Spring Forecast to Parliament last week, arguing that the Government’s economic plan is beginning to deliver results, with falling inflation, reduced borrowing...
Read more
09 Mar 2026
SEND Reforms Overlook School Transport
New plans designed to help local authorities manage the rising cost of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) leave significant questions unanswered, particularly around the growing cost...
Read more
09 Mar 2026
Post Office Plans Still Miss Rural Realities, Says Plunkett UK
Plunkett UK has responded to the Government’s recent announcement on the future of the Post Office, acknowledging several positive commitments – but warning that the framework still lacks a full...
Read more
09 Mar 2026
Village Halls Week to Launch in Rural Lancashire
A week-long celebration of the country’s more than 10,000 village halls will officially launch during a special opening event in rural Lancashire next week. Village Halls Week, which runs between...
Read more
09 Mar 2026
Rural Economy Spotlight – March 2026
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities Rural Innovation centre looks to the...
Read more
02 Mar 2026
LGIU Warns Of Deepening Financial Strain On Councils
The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) has published its 2026 State of Local Government Finance in England research, finding that confidence in the sustainability of council finances remains critically low...
Read more
02 Mar 2026
NRCN: Call For Evidence On Serious And Organised Crime
The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) is encouraging partners and stakeholders to respond to a new inquiry launched by the Home Affairs Committee into the impact of serious and organised...
Read more
24 Feb 2026
SEND investment to support inclusion in every school and community
The government has announced a £4 billion investment to reform support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside the publication of its forthcoming schools...
Read more
23 Feb 2026
Environment Agency Expands Use Of Technology To Tackle Waste Crime
The Environment Agency (EA) has announced an enhanced package of surveillance, detection and investigative tools aimed at preventing and disrupting waste crime, as part of a wider enforcement crackdown published...
Read more
23 Feb 2026
£110m Confirmed For Lincoln Relief Road
The government has confirmed more than £110 million in funding for the North Hykeham Relief Road, a new dual carriageway scheme intended to improve transport links around Lincoln and parts...
Read more