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.
02 Feb 2026
UK Poverty: The 2026 Picture
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s UK Poverty 2026 report shows that poverty remains a persistent feature of life for millions of people across the UK, with little overall change in headline...
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02 Feb 2026
New Homes Accelerator Expands
Phase 2 of the New Homes Accelerator has launched, widening support to unblock stalled housing developments and accelerate delivery across England. The programme has already helped speed up progress on...
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02 Feb 2026
Plunkett UK Raises Concerns Over Government Pub Support Package
Plunkett UK has expressed disappointment at the government’s announcement of a 15% discount on pubs’ business rates bills from April. The national charity warns that the measures are nowhere near...
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29 Jan 2026
Worrying times for the countryside, conservation sector
Job numbers continue to fall and recruitment stutters. 2025 saw a fall in the number of people on payrolls and the estimated number of vacancies in the UK also fell. Obviously...
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29 Jan 2026
Grant funding available to help pubs add new services and activities
Pub is The Hub may be able to offer grants of up to £6,000 to publicans in rural, remote, or deprived areas, who want to offer additional services and/or activities in their...
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27 Jan 2026
APPG Chair Writes To Minister On Rural Funding Settlement
Following last week’s Annual General Meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Services, the Group’s Chair, Sarah Dyke MP, has written separately to Alison McGovern MP, Minister of...
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27 Jan 2026
Committee Report Examines The First 1,000 Days Of Life
The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has published a new report, First 1000 Days: a renewed focus, examining how effectively England is supporting children and families during...
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27 Jan 2026
National Design Guidance Updated To Shape Future Neighbourhoods
The government has published updated national design guidance aimed at raising the quality of new housing developments and creating neighbourhoods that are healthier, safer and more resilient to climate change....
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27 Jan 2026
Councils Granted Election Delays To Complete Reorganisation
The government has confirmed it will bring forward legislation to postpone local elections for a number of councils undergoing local government reorganisation, citing the need to free up capacity to...
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19 Jan 2026
APPG For Rural Services Sets Priorities For The Year Ahead
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Services held its Annual General Meeting at Westminster last week. The meeting brought together MPs and Peers to agree the Group’s focus for...
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