Rural Fair Funding
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.
22 Sep 2026
Understanding Rural Is Vital For Policy Of Place To Work
Reflections on the 2026 National Rural Conference and why understanding rural realities is essential if place-based policy is to succeed. Written by Kerry Booth Chief Executive, Rural Services Network I...
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15 Sep 2026
Every Postcode: Six Rural Priorities for Government This Autumn
If Government wants good growth in every postcode, rural postcodes need to be part of the plan. As Government sets its sights on growth, living standards and public service reform...
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08 Sep 2026
Local Government Reorganisation: RSN Calls For Clarity
The Rural Services Network has called on the Government to provide councils with urgent clarity and ensure rural fairness is central to its review of Local Government Reorganisation. The Government...
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08 Sep 2026
MPs Put Rural Council Funding In The Spotlight
The challenges facing rural councils were placed firmly in the parliamentary spotlight during a Westminster Hall debate on government support for rural upper-tier local authorities. Opening the debate, Helen Morgan...
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08 Sep 2026
Rural Banking: Access Beyond Cash
MPs from across the political spectrum have called for rural communities to be better served by face-to-face banking, warning that branch closures, poor transport and digital connectivity can combine to...
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24 Aug 2026
Your Postcode Should Not Determine Your ‘Shelf Life’
People in some parts of the UK are living up to 18 years less than those elsewhere. Health Equals has launched its new Shelf Life campaign to highlight this stark...
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24 Aug 2026
Devolution Support, Will Every Place Benefit?
The Government has announced that teams of civil servants will be sent to mayoral authorities across England to help local leaders turn new powers into action. From this autumn, every...
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17 Aug 2026
Homelessness Figures Highlight Rural Data Gaps
Record numbers of households and children are living in temporary accommodation across England, but the published figures may not reveal the full extent or impact of homelessness in rural communities....
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10 Aug 2026
Rural Digital Connectivity Gap Remains
New figures from Defra show that while digital connectivity continues to improve, gaps remain between rural and urban areas, particularly for gigabit broadband and 5G mobile coverage. The latest Statistical...
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05 Aug 2026
New Devolution Plans Promise Greater Local Powers And Funding
The Government has announced a major new package of devolution reforms aimed at giving local leaders greater control over investment, public services and economic growth across England. Under plans unveiled...
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