Take part in our survey about life in rural England

Visit RSN Survey about life in rural England to find out more.

NEWS STORIES

Pretty Poverty in Cornwall: Report Exposes Rural Hardship
Pretty Poverty in Cornwall: Report Exposes Rural Hardship
A new report has warned that deprivation in Cornwall’s rural communities...
Rural Homes Face Higher Costs In Net Zero Transition, New Study Warns
Rural Homes Face Higher Costs In Net Zero Transition, New Study Warns
A new report commissioned by Rural England CIC and...
Urgent Funding Needed To Address Planning Recruitment Crisis
Urgent Funding Needed To Address Planning Recruitment Crisis
The RSN has joined over thirty leading organisations from across planning,...
Government Announces New “Pride In Place” Programme
Government Announces New “Pride In Place” Programme
The Government has announced a new Pride in Place programme...
Local Evidence Highlights Hidden Child Poverty
Local Evidence Highlights Hidden Child Poverty
A new report from Citizens Advice Stroud & Cotswold Districts...
Consultation Closing Soon: The Future of the Post Office
Consultation Closing Soon: The Future of the Post Office
The Department for Business and Trade , together with the ...

ANALYSIS & COMMENT

Championing Rural Fairness: RSN Drives Response to Fair Funding Consultation
Championing Rural Fairness: RSN Drives Response to Fair Funding Consultation
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is leading a proactive response to...
New Roadmap Sets Out Vision to Unlock Rural Prosperity and Deliver for All
New Roadmap Sets Out Vision to Unlock Rural Prosperity and Deliver for All
The Rural Services Network has today published Delivering for All:...
Bishop of Newcastle appointed President of the Rural Coalition
Bishop of Newcastle appointed President of the Rural Coalition
The Rt Rev’d Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, has been...

LATEST

The National Rural Conference 2025
The National Rural Conference 2025
The RSN is delighted to announce the National Rural Conference 2025!...
Delivering for All: A Roadmap for Rural Prosperity
Delivering for All: A Roadmap for Rural Prosperity
A new policy framework from the Rural Services Network ...
Rural Funding Digest - October 2025
Rural Funding Digest - October 2025
A monthly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services...

HOT TOPICS

Rural Fair Funding

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.

Rural Economies

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 Access to Health and Care Services

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 Affordable Housing

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.

Rural Transport

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 Net Zero

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.

Rural Digital Connectivity

In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.

Rural Planning

A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.