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A new policy framework from the Rural Services Network Every person, in every place, deserves the chance to thrive — including those living in rural, coastal and small-town communities. The Rural Services Network is proud to...
Upcoming Events: The Rural Services Network provides a range of meetings to its members to enable them to network, share best practice and hear from expert speakers in relation to rural services. The 2025 RSN online seminar...
This week is Rural Housing Week 2025 , an annual campaign led by the National Housing Federation to spotlight the vital role affordable housing plays in keeping rural communities vibrant, inclusive and sustainable. The week comes at a crucial...
As we recover from the excitement of Liverpool and the LGA Conference last week, it’s time to reflect on the themes we saw emerging across the three days of discussion, networking and an ever increasing step count! Overall, I...
The Government has announced a major new initiative aimed at tackling the housing crisis through a £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme. The ten-year plan sets out ambitions to deliver around 300,000 new homes, with at least...
Last week, the Government published a new draft Local Government Outcomes Framework , setting out a proposed structure for how central and local government might work together to measure progress on key public service outcomes. The framework identifies priority...
The Government has published its response to the consultation on reforming the Right to Buy scheme in England. The reforms are intended to retain a pathway to home ownership for long-standing tenants, while introducing new measures to help...
The Department of Health and Social Care has released its new 10-Year Health Plan for England , outlining how the NHS will be reshaped over the next decade to improve patient care, reduce waiting times, and address long-standing workforce...
Young Somerset has published its latest Impact Report , offering a powerful insight into the breadth of support provided to children, young people and families across the county. Originally founded as the Somerset Rural Youth Project, Young...
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network and produced in partnership with the Rural Housing Alliance, highlighting a selection of current rural housing issues and opportunities Rural Housing Week 2025 in full swing...
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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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