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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 locales is costlier.
The Prime Minister Kier Starmer last week unveiled his Plan for Change, setting out ‘ambitious but achievable milestones they aim to meet by the end of this Parliament.’ The missions of the Government, are built on the foundations of...
The importance of rural councils coming together was highlighted last week with an urgent meeting called by the Rural Services Network of local authority members. Following the Local Government Finance Policy Statement published on 28th November which set out...
The Local Government Association (LGA) has unveiled a compelling report highlighting the substantial benefits of investing in preventative support within social care. The findings indicate that for every £1 allocated to early intervention services, there is a potential...
Last week the Government published the policy statement for Local Government Finance 2025-2026. This included outline details of the headline allocations through the Provisional Settlement for Local Government for which a consultation will be launched in December ahead of the...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) proudly hosted its final seminar of the year last week, focusing on the crucial topic of Rural Health and Care. This online event brought together over 50 delegates from various organisations to discuss and address...
The National Audit Office (NAO) has released an investigation into the NHS Dental Recovery Plan, pinpointing major challenges and progress in enhancing dental services in England, particularly underlining the acute struggles faced by rural areas. The investigation report emphasises...
The government has announced a £3 billion housing support package aimed at unlocking more homes and driving growth within the UK housing sector. This package includes a range of guarantees designed to help housebuilders access more affordable credit,...
The Local Government Finance Statement has been published today, 28 November 2024. The Rural Services Network initial thoughts are as follows: Removal of Rural Services Delivery Grant The RSN is disappointed to see the Rural Services...
Last week, the Rural Services Network (RSN) alongside 57 rural local authorities across England took a significant step forward by sending a joint letter to the Rt Hon Jim McMahon MP, advocating for fairer funding in the upcoming...
In a timely new report, Biting the Bullet: Funding Local Government in this Parliament and Beyond , the think tank Localis outlines a vision for reforming the UK's local government finance system, warning that urgent action is...
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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.
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