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.
11 May 2020
Getting rural Britain back to work – Rural Coalition
The Rural Services network, alongside other members of the Rural Coalition, have written to George Eustice (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to warn against Government applying a rigid...
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11 May 2020
Evidence session on the impact of the ‘digital divide’ during the Covid-19 crisis launched
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has announced it will be hosting an evidence session on Friday on the impact of the ‘digital divide’ in accessing online support during the...
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11 May 2020
Homebuyers ‘plotting move to country’ amid increased home working
The Guardian and MailOnline cover news that estate agents are reporting a surge in the numbers of would-be homebuyers plotting a move out of the city to rural areas as...
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11 May 2020
One in 10 rural English and Welsh properties don’t have superfast broadband option
Several outlets report on the fact that fibre is ‘the key to productivity’ for rural businesses, yet one in 10 rural English and Welsh properties don’t have a superfast broadband...
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04 May 2020
RSN champions pandemic related rural issues with Government
The below article written by RSN Chairman Cecilia Motley is featured in this months Local Government First. The response to coronavirus needs to consider the different issues facing rural areas...
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04 May 2020
Rural areas have a higher job loss risk due to Covid-19
Fresh analysis from the RSA, based on the latest furloughing data from the ONS and the jobs profile for each local authority, gives a new, up-to-date, robust and localised insight...
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04 May 2020
Rural internet users want faster broadband speeds for homeworking
The Telegraph reports on the increasing numbers of internet users who are attempting to change to faster providers due to outages caused while people are working from home during the...
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28 Apr 2020
RSN responds to government’s consultation on ‘First Homes’
Back in February, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government published a consultation paper setting out proposals to help local people, especially young first-time buyers, into home ownership RSN...
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27 Apr 2020
Despite a strong community spirit, COVID-19 is exposing real challenges in our rural areas
Philip Dunne MP (Con) has written an article for Politics Home, arguing that due to factors such as a concentration of jobs in key employers as well as a lack...
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27 Apr 2020
Slow rural internet speeds ‘adding hours to working day’ during lockdown
ITV reports that added strain on internet services during the lockdown is providing challenges and frustration in some rural areas As many more people are working and studying from home,...
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