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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!
Over the weekend, the Government announced that charges to dispose of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres would be scrapped. Around a third of Local Authorities still charge for the service, which includes costs of up to £10 for...
- To download the Agenda for this seminar click here Thank you for joining us at our first ever Member Induction training sessions. We hope you found them useful. If you were unable to attend, please feel free...
Yesterday afternoon Kerry Booth, RSN Chief Executive, was alongside a group of Council Leaders who met with Rt Hon Michael Gove MP to talk about the Local Government Funding Formula and the unfair funding of rural councils. Kerry set the...
At the Countryside Future Conference last week, the Secretary of State for Rural Affairs, Therese Coffey, unveiled the Government’s new initiative Unleashing Rural Opportunity. She told delegates: “Securing a fine and prosperous future for our countryside is...
The Barrow and Furness MP, Simon Fell, has been announced as the UK’s first Rural Connectivity Champion. The role was first detailed as part of the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy unveiled earlier this year and will support rural businesses to...
The Gamekeeper in Woodlands, near Southampton, has opened a new play area in its garden for local children. Supported by a grant from Pub is The Hub, the new facilities cater for children up to the age of 12...
The Peak District National Park Authority has confirmed that a consultation process for staff based at the Authority’s four visitor centres has been paused following an offer of operational funding support from an external donor. The proposals on changes...
A back business debate on local government’s role in reaching net zero last week highlighted the vital part they have to play. Wera Hobhouse MP (Lib Dem, Bath) said: “Local authorities determine what is built in our...
We are delighted to be judging a category in this year’s National Association of Local Councils Star Council Awards. These are the only awards to celebrate the outstanding work of the local parish and town council sector. There...
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities Government commits to ‘Unleashing Rural Opportunity’ On 6th June, Government launched 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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