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Bus Users UK has published a ten-point plan to reverse the decline in rural services, according to the website Transport-Network.co.uk The group, which represents bus users, said that ‘changing lifestyles, flexible working, funding cuts and the regulatory environment are...
As part of its campaign to protect Britain’s post office network, the Daily Mail covers the news that fees paid to sub-postmasters to provide essential services have dropped by £112 million over the last seven years, whilst former Post Office...
The Independent covers warnings by MP that the Post Office network is close to collapse, threatening thousands of branches, over the next 12 months. The warning comes as the Government plans to end its subsidy of the Post Office...
An open letter signed by the Rural Services Network and other interested parties was published in the Yorkshire Post. The letter echoes growing calls for Government to rural-proof all future policies to ensure that no part of the country...
A Treasury Select Committee report on consumers’ access to financial services, published on Monday 13, has been widely covered in the media. The report found that financial services providers had should always be acting in their customers’ best interests,...
The Guardian reports on the upcoming local elections, taking place in many areas of the country on 2 May. Voters will decide on 8,200 seats later this week, as well as six directly elected mayors. 134 of the councils...
Along with Felicity Humphrey, the Public Affairs Manager from Acre, Action with Communities in Rural England, our Chief Executive Graham Biggs appeared on the BBC Radio 5 Lunchtime show on 1st April. Felicity focused on rural transport and...
Derbyshire County Council leader Barry Lewis has argued for a fairer funding settlement for rural areas in the Local Government Chronicle this week. He cites analysis by the Rural Services Network that shows that the current funding regime awards...
Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry reminded attendees at the Great Northern Conference in Leeds that plans for a Northern Powerhouse must not leave behind towns and rural areas, according to the Yorkshire Post. He warned of the risk of...
Rural churches are no longer obliged to hold a weekly Sunday service, according to a report in the Daily Mail. The Church of England voted to change canon law during a meeting last week. The change was proposed by...
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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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