The National Rural Conference 2025

Bookings are now officially open for the National Rural Conference 2025, which will take place online from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September.
This is the Rural Services Network’s flagship event of the year, bringing together rural decision-makers, practitioners, and advocates for four days of live, interactive sessions focused on the future of rural communities.
Click here to book!

Why all the political parties need to start paying attention to rural communities

The Yorkshire post reports on the rising cost of living that is deeply affecting rural communities, with rising fuel prices and a lack of public transport, particularly affecting those in remote areas

With government support for energy bills focussed on those with mains gas, the four million households, mostly in rural areas, who use oil and other fuels for heating and who pay upfront, have been forgotten.

Unlike electricity and mains gas supply, which are regulated and offer consumers a level of price and supply protection, the alternative fuel market is currently unregulated, leaving consumers exposed to higher fuel costs, with oil prices fluctuating daily.

Today, 1,000 litres of oil costs on average £937.16, compared to £480 in March last year.

Full article:

The Yorkshire Post - Why all the political parties need to start paying attention to rural communities - Tim Bonner