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THE government has confirmed a two-year funding package for a newly created National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) operating across England and Wales. Funding of almost £40,000 was announced by the Home Office on Monday (28 July). It...
MPs have called for action to improve passenger transport services for isolated communities. Policymakers must recognise the fundamental importance of transport in isolated communities for access to education, healthcare and employment, said the Transport Select Committee . ...
MOBILE phone carrier Vodafone has launched a national programme for rural communities to apply for better coverage in "not-spot areas". The telecoms giant has invited communities to work with their local MP to apply for Vodafone's Open Sure...
A CHANGE in the way policing is organised and funded is needed so the public are kept safe in the face of further cost cutting, says a report. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary said Police forces had met...
A LOCAL broadband project is on track to bring faster internet connections to 97% of West Yorkshire. The Superfast West Yorkshire initiative has finished building 37 new green street cabinets that connect up people's homes – with 32...
AN initiative to improve health services in rural communities is being led by the University of Cumbria. The Cumbria Rural Health Forum (CRHF) has been set up to address some of the unique issues and challenges in delivering...
AMBULANCES are taking longer to reach people with life-threatening conditions, suggest statistics released by NHS England. Six of England's eleven ambulance trust England's ambulance services missed the expected target. The proportion of Category A calls resulting in...
HOUSEHOLDS without internet access pay an average of £440 more a year for goods and services, says a study. Its findings are particularly relevant for rural households because isolated communities are among those most likely to lack internet...
The BBC is to change its rural affairs coverage after a review found it tackled too many issues from an urban perspective. Commissioned by the BBC Trust, the independent review was led by Heather Hancock, a former managing...
UNFETTERED competition threatens to end regular daily postal deliveries to rural areas, Royal Mail has warned. The recently privatised firm has called for an immediate review of the issue and the implementation of any regulatory changes needed to...
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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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