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The last week saw significant amounts of rainfall in a short period of time, leading to significant flooding in areas across the country. The BBC reported on the story which detailed over 250 flood warnings in place with many...
It’s been nearly a week since the Chancellor delivered his Autumn Statement and RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth and her team have been digesting what it means for rural communities and the organisations that serve them. There were...
In last week’s Bulletin, I reflected on what rural communities needed to hear in the King’s Speech. I had hoped that we would see the following principles applied through the provisions set out: An approach that considers the...
The Rural Services Network Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, considers Professor Whitty’s new report which urges the government to address failings for older people in rural communities. Today the government’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has published his ...
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network reflects on the King's Speech, due to take place today. This is the first King's Speech since King Charles became monarch. It marks the start of the Parliamentary year and...
Last week the much-anticipated Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill received Royal Assent. The expected game of Ping-Pong between Houses never occurred and most of the government’s changes to the Lord’s amendments were accepted when the Bill returned to the Lords...
Transport and the potential economic fall out from decisions relating to HS2 have dominated recent headlines during the party conference period in a way that you wouldn’t have anticipated. Does that mean that transport will be an election winning...
As MPs prepare to review the Lords’ amendments to the Levelling Up Bill, RSN Policy Advisor Graham Biggs has been analysing what it will now mean for rural areas. This week the House of Commons will be...
As the political party season comes to a close, RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, has been reflecting on the Leaders’ speeches to their parties. Firstly, not one of the three leaders used the word ‘rural’ in their party...
“Last week, I was invited to speak at the Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum policy conference which was exploring the topic of Beyond ‘smart cities’ - next steps for connected places policy and implementation in the UK . ...
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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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