T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
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 country. This alarming development is particularly troubling for...
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 digital poverty, with a particular focus...
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 potential of the rural economy ...
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 P rospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) to submit or withdraw applications by 7th June fast approaching,...
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 Project Gigabit, Fell noted the significant leap from...
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 day-to-day lives and long-term opportunities for those living in the...
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 local authority power to combat high street vacancy, will...
As reported in the Press, The first coastal 'tourist tax' in the UK is set to be introduced in Dorset, targeting visitors to Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole from July 1st. The Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) spearheaded the...
Farms in parts of England are looking to boost income by selling more products direct to customers having been the sector in the rural economy hardest hit by rising costs, according to a major survey from the National Innovation...
Woodgate Community Shop Opening - Credit: Andrew Ogilvy Photography A pioneering community-owned shop, placed at the heart of Thakeham’s Woodgate development near Pease Pottage in West Sussex, has opened its doors. The launch is a significant milestone...
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
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.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.