Rural Services Network - Rural Services Network

LOCAL authorities can help ensure customers don't lose out when their post office closes, says a study.

THE government describes its Rural Economy Growth Review as DEFRA's deal for the countryside. But what's in it exactly?

A JOINT petition by councils calling for fairer concessionary travel funding has seen a rise of 4,000 signatures in just three weeks.

The government's £20m Rural Community Broadband Fund (RCBF) has opened for expressions of interest.

DEFRA secretary Caroline Spelman has unveiled a £165m Rural Economy Growth review billed as a package of support for the countryside.

THE government has called on rural councils to "think outside the box" to deliver more affordable housing.

RURAL residents are among those most likely to suffer from fuel poverty this winter, suggests a report.

RURAL areas risk being left behind by faster broadband speeds in cities and larger towns, business leaders have warned.

MPs have called for government action against rising fuel prices following a petition signed by 110,000 people.

A MORE more flexible approach to ambulance response times might deliver better clinical outcomes for rural communities, says Brian Wilson.

REDUCTIONS in local government budgets will leave many rural residents disadvantaged, says a report.

BROADBAND speeds slow by one third at peak times, with the biggest variation in rural areas.

GIVING people more say in running local services will require big changes in the attitude of London-based civil servants, warns a study.

TRANSPORT minister Norman Baker has denied passing back the buck on rural bus services to local authorities.

RURAL insurers have called for a coordinated approach with police against a rising tide of theft in the countryside.

AN umbrella organisation of 15 rural-interest groups has called on for a fairer distribution of funding from central government.

RURAL communities hampered by the digital divide are being offered a lifeline by a phone company piloting ground-breaking mobile technology.

THE government is calling on parish councils to safeguard struggling village shops and pubs.

RURAL local authorities are among those with the highest recycling rates, according to the latest government figures.

RURAL residents can now compare their local police performance with other forces at the click of a mouse.

ONE of England's biggest rural authorities is urging the government to rethink proposals to change the way councils receive payments through business rates.

DOWNTON Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville is supporting a campaign highlighting the lack of decent internet access in the countryside.

What are the threats and perhaps opportunities facing the rural economy? Rose Regeneration investigates.

RURAL community transport schemes can fill gaps left by the withdrawal of commercial bus services, the government has said.

HOUSE prices in the countryside are 16% higher than in urban areas, reveal the latest figures.

Cold damp homes are bad for your health – that's the message from the Warm Front Scheme manager, Carillon Energy Services.

Arrangements where older people with support needs both receive and provide help may have much to offer, writes Brian Wilson.

PRESSURE to build on Green Belt land will be removed with the revocation of regional plans, claims the government.

THE government is asking people for their views on priorities for improving care and support services.

A NURSERY school has more than doubled its childcare places after receiving a £47,000 rural grant.

HOUSEHOLDS across the country can now apply for a government grant of up to £1,250 to help towards the cost of installing renewable heat systems.

VILLAGE halls run by volunteers play a vital role in rural communities, say experts.

Government cuts are having a marked impact on rural public transport, an MP has warned.

An £80m fund is to provide small grants to community groups and local social action projects.

RURAL stakeholders are urged to respond to a government consultation on the future of the Post Office.

THE government has unveiled £150m to improve mobile phone coverage in rural areas.

THE government's rural watchdog has issued a call for evidence relating to youth employment, education and training.

DEFRA secretary Caroline Spelman has pledged to prioritise the needs of the countryside.

What motivates us in our choice of foods and eating habits? Jessica Sellick investigates.

INNOVATIVE training is making IT skills accessible to rural communities in west Somerset.

ENGLAND'S rural communities should be seen a shining example of the Big Society, the government has been told.

COUNCILLORS have launched a campaign to persuade the government to fairly fund concessionary bus fares for rural passengers.

Budget cuts mean a new approach is vital to maintain rural public services, the government has been warned.

GOVERNMENT plans to shake up planning rules have met a different response from rural lobby groups.

A £5m fund for villagers who want to revitalise their local community enterprise has seen its deadline extended.

RURAL residents are being encouraged to form buying groups to reduce the cost of heating oil this winter.

RURAL communities could still miss out on faster internet connections – despite a boost in funding.

HEALTH experts hope to raise awareness of the challenges involved in delivering services to dispersed rural communities.

THE Prince's Countryside Fund has re-opened for applications from projects that benefit rural communities.