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!

NEWS STORIES

Connecting Rural Communities: From Blueprint to Delivery
Connecting Rural Communities: From Blueprint to Delivery
Rural Connectivity Tuesday 16 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30...
Living in Rural England? Help Inform Future Utility Decisions
Living in Rural England? Help Inform Future Utility Decisions
The Rural Services Network is encouraging rural residents to take part...
Community Power at the Heart of New Rural Development
Community Power at the Heart of New Rural Development
A trailblazing community business in West Sussex is demonstrating how local...
Anchoring Prosperity: Universities and Local Economies
Anchoring Prosperity: Universities and Local Economies
A new report by the Institute of Economic Development ...
What is a Rural Housing Enabler?
What is a Rural Housing Enabler?
The term Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) comes up frequently...
Patients Association Seeks Views On Safeguarding In Health And Care
Patients Association Seeks Views On Safeguarding In Health And Care
The Patients Association – a national charity that amplifies the...

ANALYSIS & COMMENT

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 invite you to attend the National...
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 ...
Summer 2025 Rural Services Partnership Spotlight
Summer 2025 Rural Services Partnership Spotlight
Welcome to the Summer 2025 Rural Services Partnership Spotlight ...

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.

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