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The Rural Services Network (RSN) congratulates the Prime Minister on taking office and looks forward to hearing more about the Government's plans to support communities across the country. The Prime Minister's commitment to tackling the cost of living, increasing the...
The Government has confirmed the next phase of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), setting out decisions on new unitary authority arrangements across 14 areas in England. The announcement affects a number of Rural Services Network member authorities and marks the next...
Affordable housing remains one of the defining challenges facing rural communities, affecting not only those looking for a home but also the ability of businesses, schools and local services to thrive. That was the focus of last week's RSN Member...
A new demand-responsive bus service has launched in Westmorland and Furness, offering a fresh approach to tackling one of rural communities' most persistent challenges - access to reliable public transport. Developed by Westmorland and Furness Council, The Extra Mile is...
A new report from the Digital Poverty Alliance is calling for greater recognition that access to a smartphone alone is not enough for children to fully participate in modern education, arguing that every pupil should have access to a suitable...
With the summer holidays now underway in some parts of England and just about to begin in others, there is some welcome news for many families. Throughout August, children aged 5 to 15 will be able to travel free on...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has responded to the publication of Defra's Future of Rural England Report, having contributed to the Rural Taskforce which informed the development of the report. Bringing together government departments and organisations from across the rural...
Reflections from our Chief Executive Last week I travelled to Bournemouth with RSN Assistant Chief Executive Nadine Trout for the LGA Conference and 3 full on days of learning and making links across organisations. It was fantastic to meet so...
A report published today by the Labour Rural Research Group explores the opportunities and challenges facing the rural economy and sets out a series of recommendations aimed at unlocking growth across rural communities. Drawing on evidence from organisations across the...
The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the Government and the Casey Commission to ensure councils remain at the heart of future adult social care reform, arguing that lasting change must be nationally supported but locally led. In a new...
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HOT TOPICS
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
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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