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The Rural Services Network (RSN) is thrilled to announce the National Rural Conference 2024, taking place from 16th to 19th September. This virtual event, accessible via Zoom, is the premier gathering for senior officers, members, policymakers, and rural service professionals.
Further information and booking details can be found here
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.
Last week at the opening of parliament, The King’s Speech highlighted a series of legislative priorities aimed at addressing critical national issues. A number of these new bills hold significant implications for rural communities, which often face unique...
England’s largest councils are urging the government to delay the introduction of the cap on adult social care costs, warning that the reforms are impossible to implement by October 2025 due to a staggering £30 billion funding shortfall. The...
It is always interesting to hear the policies outlined in the Kings Speech and see where the Government plans to focus its efforts in the coming months, however often it is difficult to see the impact of a Bill, until...
We are pleased to share that this week, our Chief Executive, Kerry Booth spoke with Anna Hill on BBC's Farming Today programme. In her segment, Kerry addressed the crucial topic of fair funding and its implications across various aspects of...
As the Rural Services Network (RSN), the national advocate for rural services and communities, we extend our congratulations to the new government and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the new leadership to unlock the immense...
In the lead-up to this week's General Election, the future direction of rural policy is a topic of critical importance. Recently, our Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, contributed an insightful article to LocalGov 's essay series, "NextGov," focusing on what rural...
A recent report by the BBC reveals a disturbing trend of increasing nursery closures across England, with a staggering 50% rise in the 2022-23 academic year compared to the previous year. This trend is particularly alarming in areas of...
New research from the Early Education and Childcare Coalition (EECC) and More in Common finds that 68% of all voters think the next government should prioritise early education and childcare as much as primary school, with the same...
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,...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is committed to highlighting the unique challenges faced by rural councils in delivering quality services. Recent parliamentary discussions shed light on the critical issues surrounding the funding of local councils, particularly in rural...
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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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