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The Final Local Government Finance Settlement is now confirmed. Our updated analysis examines the implications for rural areas. Read more.
New plans designed to help local authorities manage the rising cost of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) leave significant questions unanswered, particularly around the growing cost of home-to-school transport. In a new report, the Public Accounts...
The government has announced a £4 billion investment to reform support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside the publication of its forthcoming schools white paper, Every child achieving and thriving. The announcement, made...
The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has published a new report, First 1000 Days: a renewed focus, examining how effectively England is supporting children and families during the critical period from conception to age two. The inquiry...
A new report from the Public Accounts Committee has warned that England’s children’s residential care system is failing vulnerable children and placing growing, unsustainable pressure on local authorities. The Committee found that in September 2024 nearly 800 children - around...
The Government has launched an open Call for Evidence to inform a major new Young People and Work report, commissioned in November 2025 and led by the Right Honourable Alan Milburn. The review will examine the sharp rise in the...
The Government has published its new Child Poverty Strategy, setting out measures it says will lift around 550,000 children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament. The strategy outlines plans to reduce living costs for families, increase childcare...
Young Somerset proudly marked the grand opening of its two new Bold & Brave charity gift shops in Taunton and Bridgwater with ribbon-cutting ceremonies that celebrated youth empowerment, creativity, and community collaboration. In Taunton, the shop in Riverside Place was...
The House of Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee has today published its report Social Mobility: Local Roots, Lasting Change setting out how educational and work opportunities must be better integrated across the UK. The Rural Services Network contributed evidence to...
New analysis from the County Councils Network (CCN) warns that England’s SEND system is “on course for total collapse” unless the government brings forward long-promised reforms. The CCN–Isos Partnership report shows rapidly rising demand, escalating costs and widening deficits, despite...
Two new charity gift shops are set to open in Taunton and Bridgwater this month, offering more than just handmade gifts; they’re providing young people with life-changing opportunities. Operated by Young Somerset, the Bold & Brave shops will officially launch on...
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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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