Rural Services Network - Rural Services Network

HARNESSING the untapped creative potential of the countryside could generate more than £1bn a year, says a report.

NEGLECTED rural communities are set to benefit from a £200m charitable trust, it has emerged.

VILLAGE halls can make an important contribution to the rural economy, says a report.

LETTING rural people build their own homes without planning consent may not create better communities, experts have warned.

RURAL people will be allowed to build their own homes without planning permission in areas where there is a housing shortage.

HIGH house prices are forcing youngsters to move out of the countryside, campaigners have warned.

STRONG rural communities can compensate for a lack of local services, claims the latest State of the Countryside report.

PRINCE Charles has launched an initiative to help Britain's vulnerable rural communities.

LOCAL communities are to build their own homes without having to lodge specific planning applications.

A NEW network aims to help rural communities provide affordable housing for local residents.

THE government’s rural watchdog has called for a new strategy to revitalise England’s upland communities.

RURAL people have a higher life expectancy than people in larger towns and cities, a report has found.

OFFICIAL measures of deprivation fail to recognise rural needs, the government has been told.

NEW guidance aims to ensure local councils communicate effectively with the communities they serve.

THE Commission for Rural Communities must foster better links with rural stakeholders, says a report.

SIX villages have each won £400,000 to revive their communities through new business ventures.

RURAL residents are less aware of their financial rights than urban people, a watchdog has warned.

A NEW campaign is highlighting the challenges faced by older rural people.

A PIONEERING three year vision seeks to improve rural communities in the East Midlands.

THE government has proposed new powers enabling parish councils to build affordable homes for rural residents.

CHILDREN should be given more outdoor opportunities to learn about the countryside, says a charity.

RURAL areas are bearing the brunt of a national shortfall in affordable housing, suggests a report.

PEOPLE wanting to save their village shop from closure can obtain help from a new online network.

RURAL people are struggling to heat their own homes, confirms a study.

A lack of rural homes and jobs is forcing youngsters out of the countryside, the government has been told.

ELDERLY villagers are receiving computer lessons so they can use the internet to combat rural isolation.

THE government’s housing agency has welcomed a £1m fund for 36 rural councils to plan thousands of homes.

SOME 36 rural councils are to benefit from a £1m fund to design and plan up to 10,000 new homes.

YOUNGSTERS are being killed because they don't know how to drive safely on rural roads.

RURAL communities contribute £500m to the creative economy, MPs have been told.

THE recession is limiting the supply of affordable rural housing.

A LOCAL approach to funding will most benefit rural areas, say experts.

RURAL communities will struggle to support a booming older population, campaigners have warned.

LOCAL authorities are being used to pursue projects which improve rural economic well-being.

NEW guidance aims to help local authorities take on powers to tackle problem road works.

The Church of England should sell land and buildings to provide thousands of affordable rural homes, claim campaigners.

THE Conservatives have unveiled plans to revolutionise the provision of affordable rural housing.

RURAL communities in Cumbria are getting back on their feet following last month’s devastating floods.

LOCAL authorities wanting to build affordable rural housing can now apply for government funding.

RURAL stakeholders are examining ways of coping with reduced public spending amid fears of funding cuts.

VILLAGES are a step closer to finding out if they have won up to £400,000 to revive their communities.

TORY plans will give local communities the power to grant planning permission to build affordable rural housing.

A GROUND-BREAKING development of new homes has scooped a national award for environmentally-friendly building.

THE government’s housing agency has failed to meet its target for building affordable rural homes.

MORE than 360 affordable homes are being built in the rural West Midlands.

MUCH of rural England suffers significant poverty and social exclusion, reveals a report.

THE government has launched a £10m fund to encourage communities to reduce carbon emissions.

RURAL leaders travelled to London to highlight the lack of affordable housing.

RURAL house prices are falling more slowly than prices in urban areas.

RURAL development funding is becoming increasingly important, say experts.