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COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have welcomed an Ofcom pledge to improve rural mobile phone coverage. The five-point plan includes an undertaking to extend coverage to the 10% of the UK population who live in so-called hard-to-reach rural areas . ...
Motorists in 10 more rural areas could see a reduction in fuel duty – if Brussels grants permission. Government ministers seeking a reduction of up to a 5p per litre in fuel duty for remote areas have now...
A new approach to reducing rural crime and targeting criminality has been launched across north Hampshire. Operation Osprey sees the introduction of a dedicated task force by Hampshire Constabulary to investigate cross border, rural and crime series offences....
PROPOSALS to withdraw a number of rural bus services around Dorset are being altered following a public consultation. Dorset County Council cabinet members considered almost 1,200 responses to the initial plans, and heard personal representations from local residents...
LOCAL authorities are being urged to complete a survey about schemes that lends mopeds to rural people who need to access employment, education and training. 'Wheels 2 Work' is a term used to describe schemes which provide affordable...
DARKER nights and economic uncertainty are a recipe for an increase in rural crime, business leaders have warned. October and November are statistically the two months in the year where police receive more reports of burglaries than any...
RURAL health issues were at the forefront of the debate during a national conference on Friday (18 October). The national Rural Health Network Conference was organised by the Rural Services Network , and supported by Devon County Council...
THE government has agreed to meet with campaigners calling for a fairer deal for rural local authorities. Local government minister Brandon Lewis agreed to the meeting after MPs called on the government to recognise the significantly higher cost...
RURAL GPs have warned of a looming crisis if attempts to attract medical graduates to become family doctors continue to have limited success. The topic was raised at the annual Rural Primary Care Conference, organised by...
THE deadline is imminent for councillors and residents to sign a petition demanding fairer funding for rural communities. The government's funding formula means urban councils currently receive around 50% more money per person than rural councils. The...
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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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