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Campaigners say many rural areas still lack adequate broadband – although connections are getting faster. The government says it has delivered on a manifesto commitment to extend superfast broadband to 95% of the UK by the end...
The government has unveiled £81m for rural services as part of its finance settlement for local authorities. The funding was announced by communities secretary Sajid Javid as he confirmed the local government finance settlement for 2018-2019 ....
The government is set to confirm its financial settlement for local authorities amid growing concern that councils are struggling to deliver vital services. The final local government finance settlement for 2018/2019 is due to be announced on...
An immediate ban on spending has been announced by Northamptonshire County Council which says it faces a severe financial challenge. The Section 114 notice – which imposes immediate spending controls on the organisation – was announced by...
Rural shops across the UK have invested over £315m over the last year in services for customers, says a report. Villages shops and other retail outlets have introduced services like contactless payment, in-store bakeries and Post Office...
Elderly rural residents face a crisis situation because of austerity and poor access to social care, says a report. Called Issues Facing Providers of Social Care at Home to Older Residents in Rural England, the study highlights the...
An unprecedented boom in the elderly population is pushing local services to breaking point, say councils. The number of elderly people in county areas has risen by half a million in just three years alone, according to...
Village halls are vital when it comes to delivering rural services, Defra minister Lord Gardiner of Kimble has said. The rural affairs minister and Conservative peer described the community buildings as the “beating heart” of rural England. ...
Rural communities are among 200 areas in Britain with few or no cash machines. Consumer group Which? says the communities might be hardest hit by proposals that could reduce the network . It is worried that...
Funding cuts are set to pile further pressure on already over-stretched public services, the Rural Services Network has warned. Rural local authorities are set to lose one third of their funding from central government following the Provisional Local...
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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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