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In anticipation of a forthcoming general election, it's crucial to address the challenges faced by rural communities. Constituting 40% of parliamentary constituencies, rural votes hold significant sway. The Rural Services Network recently launched the WINNING THE RURAL VOTE ...
The recent announcement by the Government of a £64 billion funding package for local councils has ignited a widespread discussion, with a particular focus on its repercussions for rural areas. During a parliamentary debate on Wednesday to approve...
Need for Fair Funding for Internal Drainage Boards A Special Interest Group of the LGA, the Internal Drainage Board levies stressed the need for fair funding at a Parliamentary event last week. The event was hosted by...
Sparse Rural represents rural local authorities and is campaigning for Fairer Funding for Rural Areas. Rural Areas are currently unfairly underfunded in the Local Government Finance Settlement. The latest Local Government Finance Statement was published on...
The Rural Services Network is in Parliament today launching its manifesto asks of the political parties. The report will be launched with a number of MPs in a session hosted by Derek Thomas MP, Chair of the All Party...
Last week, The Rt Hon Michael Gove announced an encouraging boost for rural communities: a £15 million increase in the Rural Services Delivery Grant for 2024-25. This raises the total to £110 million, a significant uplift that the Rural Services...
The Rt Hon Michael Gove has today (24th Jan) through written statement announced that he proposes to increase the Rural Services Delivery Grant by £15million for 2024/2025 resulting in a total of £110 Million. The Rural Services...
A recent parliamentary debate has shed light on the stark funding disparities between urban and rural areas, with a particular focus on Cornwall. The debate, which was held on 15th January 2024, brought to the forefront the ongoing challenges that...
The Rural Services Network is the national voice for rural areas, campaigning on our members behalf for a fairer deal for rural communities. The consultation on the way that Government allocates funding for rural councils closed yesterday. However, you...
The Rural Services Network has yesterday submitted its response to the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement consultation. This followed a meeting of local authority Leaders, Senior Councillors and Senior Finance Officers in SPARSE membership of the Rural Services Network, those...
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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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