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Rural residents can suffer from Rural Vulnerability, due to a combination of issues such as poor transport, lack of broadband low wages and higher than average house prices.
The Government has been consulting on the Modern Industrial Strategy, Invest 2035, with growth of the economy as the number one mission of the Labour Government. The strategy is a 10 year plan that aims to deliver the certainty and...
Last week the Government published the policy statement for Local Government Finance 2025-2026. This included outline details of the headline allocations through the Provisional Settlement for Local Government for which a consultation will be launched in December ahead of the...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) proudly hosted its final seminar of the year last week, focusing on the crucial topic of Rural Health and Care. This online event brought together over 50 delegates from various organisations to discuss and address...
The National Audit Office (NAO) has released an investigation into the NHS Dental Recovery Plan, pinpointing major challenges and progress in enhancing dental services in England, particularly underlining the acute struggles faced by rural areas. The investigation report emphasises...
In a timely new report, Biting the Bullet: Funding Local Government in this Parliament and Beyond , the think tank Localis outlines a vision for reforming the UK's local government finance system, warning that urgent action is...
Rural England CIC ’s annual Rural Vulnerability Day, held last week, provided an essential platform for discussions around the socio-economic challenges and service-related vulnerabilities facing rural communities. Hosted by the Rural Services Network (RSN) on behalf of Rural England, the...
Today, on Rural Vulnerability Day, the Rural Services Network (RSN) proudly highlights a groundbreaking report launched by Rural England Community Interest Company (C.I.C.) , titled " Socio-Economic Change and Challenges in Rural Small Towns. " This pivotal research provides...
The government has announced a significant £1 billion investment to boost bus services across England, aimed at improving accessibility and reducing the disparities in bus service quality across different regions. This funding initiative, announced by the Department for Transport and...
The government is launching a major reform of the children’s social care system , described as the most significant in a generation. The aim is to address years of neglect and underinvestment, which have led to rising costs and...
Pharmacy owners across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including those in rural areas, have voted overwhelmingly to reduce opening hours and halt home delivery services in response to ongoing funding cuts. This historic move, orchestrated by the National Pharmacy...
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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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