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.
07 Apr 2026
Questions Raised Over Reach of ‘Pride in Place’ Scheme
Plunkett UK and local campaigners in Cornwall called on the government to provide even stronger support for rural communities during a recent event at The Eden Project.
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07 Apr 2026
Simpler Recycling Rollout Starts
Clear new rules on how households sort their recycling and waste have come into force across England, aiming to end longstanding confusion and support more consistent, streamlined collections.
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30 Mar 2026
Rural Communities In Focus
Last week we held another highly engaging RSN member-exclusive seminar, this time focused on rural communities. The session brought together a strong mix of national insight and local experience, with...
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30 Mar 2026
Council Tax Rises By 4.9% As Increases Continue To Outpace Inflation
Council tax for the average Band D property across England and Wales will rise by 4.9% in 2026/27, reveals analysis undertaken by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy...
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24 Mar 2026
The Rural Reality: Heating Oil Pressures Continue
Following our recent coverage of rising heating oil costs, the Rural Services Network has continued to hear directly from members about the real-world impact on rural households and communities. As...
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24 Mar 2026
Rural Poverty Report Highlights Hidden Hardship
A new report from the Labour Rural Research Group (LRRG) has highlighted the scale and nature of poverty across rural Britain, challenging assumptions that countryside communities are largely affluent. The...
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16 Mar 2026
Rising Heating Oil Costs Draw Westminster Attention
Rising heating oil costs highlighted in last week’s Rural Bulletin have continued to draw attention in Westminster, as ministers step up scrutiny of fuel pricing amid volatility linked to tensions...
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16 Mar 2026
More Dentists Planned As Government Moves To Expand Workforce
The government has announced plans to significantly increase the number of dentists able to practise in the UK, in a move aimed at improving patient access to appointments and tackling...
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09 Mar 2026
RSN Highlights Rural Challenges In Devolution Inquiry
The Rural Services Network’s Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, recently gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry exploring how rural communities fit within the Government’s devolution agenda. The session formed part of...
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09 Mar 2026
Spring Forecast: Growth Promised, Rural Gap Persists
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, set out the Government’s Spring Forecast to Parliament last week, arguing that the Government’s economic plan is beginning to deliver results, with falling inflation, reduced borrowing...
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