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.
14 Jan 2026
Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026-2027 to 2028-2029
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government Closed 14 January 2026 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026-2027 to 2028-2029 The local government finance settlement is the annual determination of funding...
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13 Jan 2026
RSN Voices Serious Concerns Over ‘Fairness’ Of Settlement
The Rural Services Network has serious concerns over the new ‘fair and transparent’ Local Government Funding formula. Our analysis shows that in 2026-2027, the most urban councils will receive 41%...
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12 Jan 2026
ONS Review Of Local Data Raises Questions For Place-Based Policymaking
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated it is reviewing the scope, sequencing and frequency of some sub-national statistical outputs as part of a wider programme to prioritise its...
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12 Jan 2026
Lords Report Warns UK Is Unprepared For An Ageing Society
A new report from the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has warned that the UK is significantly underprepared for the economic and social impacts of an ageing population. The...
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12 Jan 2026
New Pothole Ratings Shine A Light On Rural Road Challenges
A new government map showing how well councils are tackling potholes has put local road maintenance firmly back in the spotlight. Published by the Department for Transport, the interactive map...
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06 Jan 2026
Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026/27
The Government has published the provisional local government finance settlement for 2026/27, outlining planned funding allocations for local authorities in England and launching a statutory consultation on its proposals. While...
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05 Jan 2026
Looking To 2026: Our Focus For Rural Communities
As we look to 2026, the context for rural services and local governance continues to evolve. Local government structures may shift. Strategic authorities may develop. Boundaries may change. But regardless...
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05 Jan 2026
Government Responds To RSN On Fair Funding Concerns
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has received a formal response from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government following its letter raising concerns about the impact of Fair Funding...
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05 Jan 2026
Call For Evidence: Young People And Work
The Government has launched an open Call for Evidence to inform a major new Young People and Work report, commissioned in November 2025 and led by the Right Honourable Alan...
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15 Dec 2025
Local Government Finance Settlement Due
Local Authorities across the country are waiting for the Provisional local Government Finance Settlement, due to be published this week. This will be the first settlement following changes made to...
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