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New research shows how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities - if rural priorities are embedded in local strategies and supported by national safeguards. Alongside English Rural, we believe housing is the foundation...
The finalists for the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Star Council Awards 2025/26 have now been announced following a rigorous assessment process and a record number of nominations from across England. The awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the...
The government has announced a £3 billion funding package to support bus services and infrastructure across England, aiming to deliver more frequent, reliable and affordable services for passengers. The announcement confirms that councils will receive multi-year settlements through the new...
Tens of thousands of pensioners and children will be forced through their doors this Christmas. New figures from Trussell reveal a sharp rise in the need for winter food parcels compared to five years ago. Food banks in the...
MPs met in Westminster Hall last week to debate whether current funding is adequate to support people experiencing homelessness. Opening the debate, Bob Blackman MP highlighted that homelessness is continuing to rise across England, with Crisis estimating that 300,000 individuals...
The Department for Education has launched a new national engagement campaign to gather views from parents, carers, young people and professionals on the future of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. The initiative aims to create “the biggest...
TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2025 Oral Questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Questions to the Treasury questions focus on the cost of living, economic growth and the impact of recent fiscal decisions. MPs will ask about tax and National Insurance...
The Rural Services Network has put together an initial overview of the Government’s 2025 Budget, highlighting the headline measures and the early implications for rural areas across energy, transport, housing, public services, skills and local government funding. At this stage,...
We’re delighted to launch the RSN Member Exclusive Seminar Programme for 2026, bringing together industry experts, rural practitioners, and sector leaders to explore the major issues shaping rural communities across England. Our seminars are a core RSN member benefit, highly...
Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook has provided an update on the government’s reforms to the local plan-making system in England, confirming key legislative, funding and timetable measures intended to accelerate the delivery of up-to-date local plans across all areas....
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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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