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The Final Local Government Finance Settlement is now confirmed. Our updated analysis examines the implications for rural areas. Read more.
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Rising heating oil costs highlighted in last week’s Rural Bulletin have continued to draw attention in Westminster, as ministers step up scrutiny of fuel pricing amid volatility linked to tensions in the Middle East. The Government has announced more than...
The government has announced a package of regulatory changes aimed at speeding up the delivery of housing, transport and clean energy projects, while maintaining environmental protections. New Strategic Policy Statements will guide the work of Natural England and the Environment...
A new report from Northumberland County Council’s Director of Public Health shines a light on the unique factors shaping health and wellbeing in rural communities. Rural Realities: Health Inequalities in Rural Northumberland explores how geography, access to services and the...
The government has announced plans to significantly increase the number of dentists able to practise in the UK, in a move aimed at improving patient access to appointments and tackling long-standing shortages in dental services. Under new measures announced by...
Essex Police has launched an innovative initiative to help tackle rural crime by installing solar-powered trail cameras in crime hotspots across the county. Funded through money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the cameras are being...
TUESDAY 17 MARCH 2026 Westminster Hall Debates: Productivity and economic growth in the East Midlands - James Naish MP Condition of roads in rural areas - Stuart Anderson MP WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2026 Oral Questions: To the Secretary of State...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has warned that rural households and businesses are particularly exposed to rising oil prices as global energy markets react to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Reports this week indicate that heating oil prices have...
The Rural Services Network’s Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, recently gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry exploring how rural communities fit within the Government’s devolution agenda. The session formed part of an inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural...
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, set out the Government’s Spring Forecast to Parliament last week, arguing that the Government’s economic plan is beginning to deliver results, with falling inflation, reduced borrowing and stronger living standards. According to the Government, the forecast...
New plans designed to help local authorities manage the rising cost of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) leave significant questions unanswered, particularly around the growing cost of home-to-school transport. In a new report, the Public Accounts...
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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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